Abstract: A surgical staple cartridge is disclosed comprising a plurality of staples removably stored within the surgical staple cartridge. The staples comprise staple legs which extend from a staple base portion. The staple legs comprise staple tips configured to pierce tissue and contact a corresponding forming pocket of an anvil of surgical stapling instrument. The staples further comprise zones having different hardnesses.

Abstract: A method including detecting a modular surgical device within bounds of a surgical operating room, connecting the modular surgical device to a surgical hub, connecting the surgical hub to a cloud-based system, transmitting surgical data associated with a surgical procedure being performed in the surgical operating room from the modular surgical device to the surgical hub, and transmitting the surgical data from the surgical hub to the cloud-based system.

Abstract: Provided is a system and medical device that includes self diagnosing control switches. The control switch may be slidable within a slot in order to control activation of some function of the medical device. Due to natural wear and tear of movement of a control switch, the distances along the sliding slot that correspond to how much energy is used for the function may need to be adjusted over time in order to reflect the changing physical attributes of the actuator mechanism. The self diagnosing control switches of the present disclosures may be configured to automatically adjust for these thresholds using, for example, Hall effect sensors and magnets. In addition, in some cases, the self diagnosing control switches may be capable of indicating external influences on the controls, as well as predict a time until replacement is needed.

Abstract: An interactive control unit is disclosed. The interactive control unit includes an interactive touchscreen display, an interface configured to couple the control unit to a surgical hub, a processor, and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive input commands from the interactive touchscreen display located inside a sterile field and transmit the input commands to the surgical hub to control devices coupled to the surgical hub located outside the sterile field.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a media service provider system 1) providing an end user of an integrated media service with access to a media program by way of a plurality of different media distribution models, 2) maintaining a catalog that includes comprehensive information about the media program, the comprehensive information being an aggregate of non-redundant information about the media program obtained from a plurality of independent source catalogs corresponding to the plurality of different media distribution models, and 3) providing, based on the comprehensive information included in the catalog, a media service user interface that supports discovery of the comprehensive information about the media program regardless of a user interface context from which a user request for information about the media program is received. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: A visualization and navigation technology for complex data sets supports interactive engagement which can result in changes of data in the data sets is suitable for applications providing discussion platforms. A sequence of representations of the node-link structure is presented on a display. Each representation in the sequence includes an upper-level node feature such as a wheel-like construct, intermediate-level node features, and lower-level node features. The upper-level node feature includes a rim. The intermediate-level node features and lower-level node features are positioned on the display along the rim. The lower-level node features and intermediate-level node features are positioned in groups along the rim according to a source parameter. Pointer activated functions are included which cause changes in the representations. A pane for presenting content can be included and linked with the wheel-like construct.

Abstract: An improved trailer comprising a drawbar, a deck connected to the drawbar by a pivot connection, an axle carriage and an actuator. The axle carriage includes at least two skids and the deck is provided with skid runners for supporting the deck on the axle carriage skids. The actuator is operably connected to cause movement of the axle carriage, relative to the deck, between a first, road position and a second, load position in which the deck is pivoted to a low rise, loading position. The deck may comprise a main deck and a loading deck with the main deck connected to the drawbar by a pivot connection near the front of the trailer. The main deck and the loading deck include skid runners for supporting the deck on the axle carriage skids. The main deck is connected to the loading deck by a pivot connection adjacent the rear of the trailer.

Abstract: An analytical instrument measures carbon content of a liquid sample. The instrument includes a sample inlet, a reagent inlet, a rinsing solution inlet, a reaction chamber, a waste outlet and a syringe pump. A multiple port valve has a plurality of ports which are coupled to the sample inlet, the reagent inlet, the rinse solution inlet, the reaction chamber and the waste outlet. The valve also includes a primary port coupled to the syringe pump and selectively fluidically couplable to each of the remaining ports.

Abstract: Oil and gas are separated downhole in a free flowing well and are transmitted separately to the surface. Liquid oil is transmitted through an elongated tubing which extends into a liquid column in the bottom of the well and is anchored in a liquid production tubing string to form an annular flow space. Gas flows from a wellbore space above the column of liquid through the annular space and through a flow passage which may be formed by a side pocket mandrel into the well annulus and then to the surface. The liquid conducting tubing is secured in the tubing string and a seal point is formed by a packer above the gas flow passage formed by the side pocket mandrel. Alternative arrangements provide for a subsurface gas flow safety valve interposed in the gas flow path. The safety valve may be interposed in a cross-over body which permits flow of liquid and gas therethrough and past a seal formed between the body and the tubing string.

Abstract: A rheometer for measuring the extrudate swell of polymeric solutions. The eometer has an upper and lower transparent reservoir with a capillary tube therebetween. The flow of solution between reservoirs from upper to lower is provided by gas pressure. Initially, the swell is photographed and the lower reservoir is then filled with an immiscible Newtonian fluid. In sequence the flow is again started and a second photograph is taken. The first and second swell are measured, and the results applied to a formula to determine the first normal stress difference of the polymeric solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring elongational viscosity of a test fl comprises extruding the test fluid through a capillary downwardly into a host fluid having a lower density than the test fluid and being immiscible with the test fluid. This formed a spherical drop at the lower open end of the capillary tube which grew until it fell away from the tube forming an elongated ligament. The elongated ligament eventually breaks. The test fluid drop and ligament are photographed using a movie or video camera and the results are analyzed to determine the kinetics of the drop and ligament as it is formed, grows and falls through the host fluid.