Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a body, shaft, and end effector. The shaft couples the end effector and body together. The end effector comprises an anvil and lower jaw configured to receive a surgical staple cartridge. The anvil is configured to pivot toward and away from the staple cartridge and lower jaw. The shaft assembly comprises a knife member configured to longitudinally translate to thereby substantially simultaneously cut clamped tissue and staple the severed tissue. The end effector may comprise lockout features configure to prevent longitudinal translation of the knife member. The end effector or staple cartridge may comprise lockout bypass features configured to prevent lockout of the knife member. These lockout bypass features may operate to permit longitudinal translation of the knife member once or multiple times. The end effector may comprise features configured to ensure proper alignment of the anvil relative to the staple cartridge.

Abstract: An example medical device for occluding the left atrial appendage includes an expandable member having a first end region, a second end region and an inflation cavity. The medical device also includes a plurality of spine members coupled to the expandable member, the plurality of spine members spaced circumferentially around an outer surface of the expandable member. Additionally, the medical device includes a valve member extending at least partially into the inflation cavity, wherein the plurality of spine members are configured to position the medical device within an opening of the left atrial appendage and wherein the expandable member is configured to expand and seal the opening of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A low-dose CT imaging system and method that operates according to a pulsed X-ray emission scheme according to a predefined sequence of rotation angles of the X-ray source, along with image reconstruction algorithms to achieve high spatial and temporal resolution for CT scans. The systems and methods involve high speed switching (on the order of milliseconds) to generate pulsed exposure of X-ray radiation to the patient, reducing radiation dose by 4-8 fold, or more.

Abstract: A low-dose CT imaging system and method that operates according to a pulsed X-ray emission scheme according to a predefined sequence of rotation angles of the X-ray source, along with image reconstruction algorithms to achieve high spatial and temporal resolution for CT scans. The systems and methods involve high speed switching (on the order of milliseconds) to generate pulsed exposure of X-ray radiation to the patient, reducing radiation dose by 4-8 fold, or more.

Abstract: An improved gas-fired water heater is disclosed which comprises a sealed cylindrical shell extending from the base of the water tank to the top, enclosing the burners and controls so as to shield them from flammable vapors in the immediate vicinity. The cylindrical shell forms an annular passage outside the tank (and insulation, if present), which facilitates the intake of combustion air. This annular passage is shielded from above and the side adjacent the top of the tank by a cover fitted to the tank top which extends downward from the top to form a lip which laterally shields the annular passage and directs intake combustion air upward from outside the shell to enter the annular passage. The bottom of the heater can be extended by a cylindrical skirt extension which encloses the burner of the heater in an airtight manner except for air inlets in the bottom of the extension.

Abstract: The diffuser is constructed primarily of lightweight, roll formed, channeled sheet metal bent into a square by cutting the top and bottom margins at the bends. Each of the corners is then riveted. The top wall is molded fiberglass which can be easily cut to form a central opening of different diameters. The figerglass is held between the bent margins of the sidewall and a bracket riveted to the sidewall. The bottom wall is perforated and riveted to the sidewall. A radial deflector having a central portion and arms extending outward is riveted through one of the perforations in the bottom wall. Each arm has a flat portion and bent up portion. The flat portion is spaced from the bottom wall by means of small resilient tabs.