Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical device is disclosed including a surgical tool including a proximal transducer mounting portion defining a surface, a distal end effector end, and a waveguide disposed therebetween, the waveguide extending along a longitudinal axis. The ultrasonic surgical device further includes a transducer is in mechanical communication with the surface of the transducer mounting portion. The transducer is configured to operate in a D31 mode with respect to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. Upon activation by an electrical signal having a predetermined frequency component, the transducer is configured to induce a standing wave in the surgical tool to cause the end effector to vibrate, the standing wave having a wavelength proportional to the predetermined frequency component of the electrical signal.

Abstract: A binder strip cassette including a binder strip roll disposed within a cassette housing, with the roll including a multiplicity of elongated binder strips, each of said binder strips including a flexible substrate and an adhesive disposed on the substrate. The roll further includes a flexible elongated carrier supporting said binder strips, with said binder strips being disposed along a length of the elongated carrier in an end-to-end arrangement; with said elongated carrier and said binder strips being wound to form a binder strip roll. The binder strip roll is rotatably mounted within the housing. The cassette is further provided with a drive apparatus for unwinding the binder strip roll to provide an unwound portion of the binder strip roll together with a separating apparatus disposed within the cassette housing for separating the binder strips from the elongated carrier of the unwound portion of the binder strip roll to produce a separated binder strip.

Abstract: A binder strip cassette including a binder strip roll disposed within a cassette housing, with the roll including a multiplicity of elongated binder strips, each of said binder strips including a flexible substrate and an adhesive disposed on the substrate. The roll further includes a flexible elongated carrier supporting said binder strips, with said binder strips being disposed along a length of the elongated carrier in an end-to-end arrangement; with said elongated carrier and said binder strips being wound to form a binder strip roll. The binder strip roll is rotatably mounted within the housing. The cassette is further provided with a drive apparatus for unwinding the binder strip roll to provide an unwound portion of the binder strip roll together with a separating apparatus disposed within the cassette housing for separating the binder strips from the elongated carrier of the unwound portion of the binder strip roll to produce a separated binder strip.

Abstract: An adhesive binder strip having reduced transverse curl and method of manufacture. An elongated substrate is provided and a layer of molten, heat-activated adhesive is applied over the substrate surface. The layer of molten adhesive is permitted to cool so that the layer is in a solid state. The surface of the cooled adhesive is then mechanically deformed such as by cutting a multiplicity of grooves in the surface. The number and depth of the grooves are selected so as to achieve a substantial reduction in the amount of curl present in the binder strip. Once the mechanical deformations have been made, the binder strip can be used to bind a stack of sheets.

Abstract: An adjustable backrest and frame for a canoe or boat seat lacking a built-in backrest or back support. The backrest and frame includes an automobile or truck headrest which is inserted into two corresponding brackets that are fastened to the canoe or boat seat. The bracket more particularly includes an attachment brace with an arm that connects it to a support tube. This support tube is where the elongate supports of the backrest telescope allowing for adjustment of the canoe or boat seat backrest and frame.

Abstract: A flexible flashing device for vertically stacked, building siding panels having a resiliantly deformable spacing means for accommodating the structural expansion and contraction of the underlying framework of a building. The flexible flashing device incorporates a waterproof flashing member for preventing the intrusion of water into abutting ends of vertically stacked, building siding panels. Additionally, a method of preventing contraction buckling of vertically stacked, building siding panels caused by improper installation is provided whereby the flexible flashing device is inserted between the abutting ends of two vertically stacked panels.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving nails having an electrical power unit removably connected to a nail holding cartridge is disclosed. The power unit has an electric motor which drives a geared cylinder or drum. Gears on the drum intermesh with an elongated driven member having a nail engaging portion on one end thereof and being controlled in its longitudinal movement ultimately by the movment of the motor and directly by the geared drum. A barrel attached to the nail cartridge is adapted to receive nails, one at a time, from an automatic nail feeding mechanism also located in the nail cartridge. A nail holding mechanism disposed within the barrel insures that the nail is held straight throughout the nail driving operation. A nail countersinking attachment is provided for countersinking nails a predetermined distance into a nail driving material. Also, an extension attachment is provided to allow nails to be driven less than completely into a nail driving material by a predetermined amount.