Abstract: An electronic system for a surgical instrument is disclosed. The electronic system comprises a main power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a primary circuit, a supplementary power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a secondary circuit, and a sleep mode monitor coupled between the main power supply circuit and the supplementary power supply circuit. The sleep mode monitor is configured to indicate one or more sleep mode conditions. The electronic system further comprises a device state monitor coupled to the primary circuit, the device state monitor configured to sense a state of various electrical and mechanical subsystems of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: An end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw member comprising a magnetic sensor; a second jaw member pivotally coupled to the first jaw member such that the first jaw member is pivotally moveable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the second jaw member is configured to receive a staple cartridge therein; a staple cartridge removably coupled to the second jaw member, the staple cartridge further comprising an upper surface facing the first jaw member; and a magnet positioned to be in an opposing relationship to the magnetic sensor when the first jaw member is in the closed position. The magnetic sensor is operable to detect the magnetic field of the magnet, and wherein the detected magnetic field is indicative of the distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A utensil dispensing tray that cooperates with a dispenser. The tray includes at least one feature that causes the utensil, such as a knife, fork, spork, or spoon, to rotate from a first orientation to a second orientation for presentation as the utensil drops into the tray. The tray also includes one or more features that result in the utensil being consistently positioned in its second orientation within a dispensing area of the tray.

Abstract: The present invention includes a collapsible lighting device comprising: (a) a container having a base portion and optional lid portion, that is adapted to be reversibly moved from a closed position to an open position; (b) at least one light source disposed in the container; and (c) a collapsible envelope of a diffuser material disposed in the container, and adapted to be reversibly moved from a contained position defining a contained volume within the container when the container is in the closed position, to a deployed position when the container is in the open position.

Abstract: A utensil dispensing tray that cooperates with a dispenser. The tray includes at least one feature that causes the utensil, such as a knife, fork, spork, or spoon, to rotate from a first orientation to a second orientation for presentation as the utensil drops into the tray. The tray also includes one or more features that result in the utensil being consistently positioned in its second orientation within a dispensing area of the tray.

Abstract: The present invention includes a collapsible lighting device comprising: (a) a container having a base portion and optional lid portion, that is adapted to be reversibly moved from a closed position to an open position; (b) at least one light source disposed in the container; and (c) a collapsible envelope of a diffuser material disposed in the container, and adapted to be reversibly moved from a contained position defining a contained volume within the container when the container is in the closed position, to a deployed position when the container is in the open position.

Abstract: The present invention includes a collapsible lighting device comprising: (a) a container having a base portion and optional lid portion, that is adapted to be reversibly moved from a closed position to an open position; (b) at least one light source disposed in the container; and (c) a collapsible envelope of a diffuser material disposed in the container, and adapted to be reversibly moved from a contained position defining a contained volume within the container when the container is in the closed position, to a deployed position when the container is in the open position.

Abstract: A quoin formed of individual over-mount corner units constructed as simulated brick to match the adjoining wall panels forming the exterior cover of an exterior wall of a building is provided. The corner units are formed with a front portion configured as courses of brick separated by mortar joints joined to a rear plate that provides a support frame for the corner unit. Multiple standoffs are positioned on the rear plate opposite mortar joints formed on the front portion to provide a location for driving fasteners to mount the corner unit onto the building substructure. The overlapping nature of the corner units with respect to the wall panels allows the wall panels to be cut imprecisely at the exterior corner. The standoffs maintain a predetermined spacing between the building substructure and the rear plate to establish a channel for the drainage of moisture due to condensation or rain infiltration.

Abstract: A quoin formed of individual over-mount corner units constructed as simulated brick to match the adjoining wall panels forming the exterior cover of an exterior wall of a building is provided. The corner units are formed with a front portion configured as courses of brick separated by mortar joints joined to a rear plate that provides a support frame for the corner unit. Multiple standoffs are positioned on the rear plate opposite mortar joints formed on the front portion to provide a location for driving fasteners to mount the corner unit onto the building substructure. The overlapping nature of the corner units with respect to the wall panels allows the wall panels to be cut imprecisely at the exterior corner. The standoffs maintain a predetermined spacing between the building substructure and the rear plate to establish a channel for the drainage of moisture due to condensation or rain infiltration.

Abstract: A coupling for connection of a tube comprises a coupling housing which includes a first end into which the tube is inserted, a clamping ring which is positioned in the coupling housing against a first conical surface, a sealing ring which is positioned in the coupling housing, and a return ring which is positioned in the coupling housing between the clamping ring and a second end of the housing adjacent a second conical surface that is tapered opposite to the first conical surface. The return ring is expandable and comprises a central aperture which is smaller than the external diameter of the tube. Accordingly, when the tube is pushed into the coupling housing and forced through the return ring, the return ring will expand and move along the second conical surface.

Abstract: A pill sorting apparatus is provided and includes a system for retrieving pills from a container and then dispensing those retrieved pills to a bin where they can be administered to a patient by a healthcare professional. The pill sorter includes a sorting mechanism that prevents excess pills from being delivered to the bin marked for patient delivery and instead, an automated system directs the excess pills to a bin where the pills are collected for return to the pill source.

Abstract: A pressure relief reminder and compliance system and method to prevent the formation of pressure sores on a person's skin is disclosed. The system comprises sensor which responds according to pressure exerted on the skin; a programmable microcontroller connected to the sensor; means for programming the microcontroller; and indicating means. A programming device operates software to changeably program the microcontroller with certain values of pressure and time, such that the level and duration of pressure on the skin and the duration of the absence of pressure thereon, are compared to the programmed values, is given to the wheelchair user, and the levels and duration of pressure are stored in memory. The programming device also can download from the memory the recorded values for review and analysis by a physician, clinician, therapist or other health professional. The indicators can be an audible alarm, like a beeper or buzzer, or a vibrator.