Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: A flexible, substantially lamellar silicone foam rubber-based heater for heating fluid lines such as high temperature gas supply and exhaust lines used in microelectronic semiconductor fabrication uses a flexible, oblong substantially longitudinally uniform heater body including an oblong block of a thermally conductive, resiliently compressible material for conforming the heater to a line of complexly shaped components connected in series. The block can be supported by a silicone rubber support layer in contact with a flexible heater element containing layer, and an outer silicone foam rubber insulation layer. Fasteners, such as separatable retaining bands spaced along the line can hold the heater in place. A matable pair of bodies, or a single folded body can enwrap the line.

Abstract: Systems, techniques, and devices are described that may be used in a minimally invasive bone realignment procedure. In some examples, a method of performing a minimally invasive metatarsal correction procedure involves using a bone preparation guide having a guide surface with a length less than a diameter of a bone to be cut using the guide surface. The clinician can guide a bone preparation instrument along the guide surface and angle the bone preparation instrument beyond one or both ends of the guide surface to cut the end of the underlying bone beyond one or both of the ends.

Abstract: A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, an energy storage device supported by the chassis and configured to provide electrical power to a prime mover, wherein activation of the prime mover selectively drives the refuse vehicle, a body for storing refuse therein supported by the chassis, a first hydraulic pump configured to convert electrical power into hydraulic power, a second first hydraulic pump configured to convert electrical power into hydraulic power, and a motor coupled to at least one of the body or the chassis and configured to drive the first hydraulic pump and drive the second hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A tool for manipulating the hand brake controls on a railroad car by a user standing on the ground generally comprises an elongate handle and a split collar swivelly attached to the distal end of the handle. The collar includes split for passage of the rim of a brake wheel, and a central bore for retaining the rim while the user turns the brake wheel with the collar bearing against a spoke. A cavity in distal end of handle is adapted for engaging the free end of a brake release handle for moving it to release the brakes. Each side of the collar includes a concave portion adapted for engaging a spoke of the brake wheel for turning the wheel for final tightening of the brakes. Preferably, the handle includes a plurality of telescopingly coupled sections and locks for locking the handle at an extended position.

Abstract: A tool for manipulating the hand brake controls on a railroad car by a user standing on the ground generally comprises an elongate handle and a split collar swivelly attached to the distal end of the handle. The collar includes split for passage of the rim of a brake wheel, and a central bore for retaining the rim while the user turns the brake wheel with the collar bearing against a spoke. A cavity in distal end of handle is adapted for engaging the free end of a brake release handle for moving it to release the brakes. Each side of the collar includes a concave portion adapted for engaging a spoke of the brake wheel for turning the wheel for final tightening of the brakes. Preferably, the handle includes a plurality of telescopingly coupled sections and locks for locking the handle at an extended position.