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 novel wound electrode assembly for a lithium oxyhalide electrochemical cell is described. The electrode assembly comprises an elongate cathode of an electrochemically non-active but electrically conductive carbonaceous material disposed between an inner elongate portion and an outer elongate portion of a unitary lithium anode. That way, lithium faces the entire length of the opposed major sides of the cathode. This inner anode portion/cathode/outer anode portion configuration is rolled into a wound-shaped electrode assembly that is housed inside a cylindrically-shaped casing. A cylindrically-shaped sheet-type spring centered in the electrode assembly presses outwardly to limit axial movement of the electrode assembly. In one embodiment, all the non-active components, except for the cathode current collector which is nickel, are made of stainless-steel. This provides the cell with a low magnetic signature without adversely affecting the cell's high-rate capability.

Abstract: A surgical stapler, or fastening instrument, may generally comprise a layer, such as a tissue thickness compensator, for example, releasably attached to a fastener cartridge and/or anvil by a flowable attachment portion. The flowable attachment portion may be indefinitely flowable. The flowable attachment portion may be flowable from the time that layer is installed to the fastener cartridge to the time in which the layer is implanted to patient tissue. The flowable attachment portion may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The flowable attachment portion may comprise an adhesive laminate comprising a base layer comprising the tissue thickness compensator and an adhesive layer on at least a portion of a surface of the base layer comprising the pressure sensitive adhesive. Articles of manufacture comprising flowable attachment portion and methods of making and using the flowable attachment portion are also described.

Abstract: A novel wound electrode assembly for a lithium oxyhalide electrochemical cell is described. The electrode assembly comprises an elongate cathode of an electrochemically non-active but electrically conductive carbonaceous material disposed between an inner elongate portion and an outer elongate portion of a unitary lithium anode. That way, lithium faces the entire length of the opposed major sides of the cathode. This inner anode portion/cathode/outer anode portion configuration is rolled into a wound-shaped electrode assembly that is housed inside a cylindrically-shaped casing. A cylindrically-shaped sheet-type spring centered in the electrode assembly presses outwardly to limit axial movement of the electrode assembly. In one embodiment, all the non-active components, except for the cathode current collector, which is nickel, are made of stainless-steel. This provides the cell with a low magnetic signature without adversely affecting the cell's high-rate capability.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for doping a quantity of powder particles. A container having a central chamber is initially charged with a quantity of powder particles. A quantity of precursor is sublimed to form a heated precursor. A quantity of carrier gas is mixed with the precursor to form a mixture of heated precursor/carrier gas. The central chamber is charged with the heated precursor/carrier gas and then moved to cause interaction of the powder particles with the heated precursor/carrier gas to form a first monolayer coating on the powder particles. The heated precursor/carrier gas is then removed from the central chamber and the central chamber is charged with a O2/O3 gas under a plasma. The central chamber is then further moved to produce interaction of the O2/O3 gas with the first monolayer coating on the powder particles to modify the first monolayer coating to create a different, single monolayer coating forming an oxide coating on the powder particles.

Abstract: A novel wound electrode assembly for a lithium oxyhalide electrochemical cell is described. The electrode assembly comprises an elongate cathode of an electrochemically non-active but electrically conductive carbonaceous material disposed between an inner elongate portion and an outer elongate portion of a unitary lithium anode. That way, lithium faces the entire length of the opposed major sides of the cathode. This inner anode portion/cathode/outer anode portion configuration is rolled into a wound-shaped electrode assembly that is housed inside a cylindrically-shaped casing. A cylindrically-shaped sheet-type spring centered in the electrode assembly presses outwardly to limit axial movement of the electrode assembly. In one embodiment, all the non-active components, except for the cathode current collector which is nickel, are made of stainless-steel. This provides the cell with a low magnetic signature without adversely affecting the cell's high-rate capability.

Abstract: A system for sealing a plurality of orifices through a wall of a vessel is provided. The system includes a plurality of sealing members configured to releasably seal respective orifices of the plurality of orifices. The system also includes a base defining a central axis therethrough. The base includes a plurality of segments disposed about the central axis. Each of the plurality of segments includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is configured to engage at least one sealing member of the plurality of sealing members. Further, each segment of the plurality of segments is configured to deform toward the central axis on application of a force upon the outer surface thereof to bias the at least one sealing member into sealing engagement with a respective orifice of the plurality of orifices.

Abstract: A method of remanufacturing a shell of a heat exchanger is provided. The shell has an inner surface that defines an inner diameter thereof and the inner surface has a worn portion adjacent to an end of the shell. The method includes machining the inner surface to remove the worn portion and machining to form a tapered surface adjacent to the end of the shell. A diameter of the tapered surface increases progressively from the inner diameter of the shell to a maximum diameter at the end of the shell.

Abstract: A fixture assembly for a work piece is provided. The fixture assembly includes a strap assembly including a plurality of straps. One or more parameters associated with each of the plurality of straps is configured to be dynamically adjusted in such a manner that the plurality of straps cooperatively interact with a surface of the work piece. The strap assembly is configured to secure the work piece by providing a clamping force thereon based on an arrangement of the strap assembly.

Abstract: A method of remanufacturing a shell of a heat exchanger is provided. The shell has an inner surface that defines an inner diameter thereof and the inner surface has a worn portion adjacent to an end of the shell. The method includes machining the inner surface to remove the worn portion and machining to form a tapered surface adjacent to the end of the shell. A diameter of the tapered surface increases progressively from the inner diameter of the shell to a maximum diameter at the end of the shell.

Abstract: A system for sealing a plurality of orifices through a wall of a vessel is provided. The system includes a plurality of sealing members configured to releasably seal respective orifices of the plurality of orifices. The system also includes a base defining a central axis therethrough. The base includes a plurality of segments disposed about the central axis. Each of the plurality of segments includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is configured to engage at least one sealing member of the plurality of sealing members. Further, each segment of the plurality of segments is configured to deform toward the central axis on application of a force upon the outer surface thereof to bias the at least one sealing member into sealing engagement with a respective orifice of the plurality of orifices.

Abstract: A device for sealing one or more orifices on a vessel for pressurizing fluid is provided. The device includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface includes one or more substantially semi-spherical protrusions corresponding to the orifices. The protrusions are configured to contact with edges of the orifices and seal the orifices.

Abstract: A user may utilize a communication device, e.g., a wireless phone, mobile device or personal digital assistant (PDA), to contact an information/call center where an operator provides personalized information and communications services to the user in accordance with the invention. Such services may include, e.g., private directory and calendar data synchronization, identity pre-validation, etc. To personalize the services, at least one profile record associated with the user which may specify, among others, the devices used by the user to communicate with the information/call center, and preferred information/call center to which an information assistance call is routed. Accordingly, services and service features provided to the user may be tailored for use with the specified devices. Security measures may also be instituted in the profile record to restrict use of certain services and service features.

Abstract: A device for sealing one or more orifices on a vessel for pressurizing fluid is provided. The device includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface includes one or more substantially semi-spherical protrusions corresponding to the orifices. The protrusions are configured to contact with edges of the orifices and seal the orifices.

Abstract: A lithium thionyl chloride cell having, in a can, a cathode collector, a solution of lithium tetra-chloroaluminate (LiAlCl4) in thionyl chloride (SOCl2), and a lithium alloy anode. The lithium alloy anode has lithium and an alloy material selected from the group consisting of magnesium and aluminum. The composition of lithium in relation to the alloy material ranges from 95:5 to 50:50, by weight, such that the total capacity of the lithium plus the alloying material is greater than the capacity of the thionyl chloride and at the same time the capacity of the lithium alone is less than or equal to the capacity of the thionyl chloride.

Abstract: A method for providing a communication assistance service by a communication assistance service provider includes receiving a communication at the communication assistance service provider from a first person seeking a contact information to communicate with a second person and receiving from the first person identifying information associated with the second person. A profile of the second person is retrieved including at least one contact information and at least one contact preference associated with the contact information. Communication is provided between the first person and the second person in accordance with the contact preferences.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, when a user makes an information assistance call to an information/call center requesting a listing, the user can make arrangements for various services relating to the requested listing in the same call. These services may be presented to an operator as options, and in turn presented to the user for selection. However, the options undesired by the user, based on personal preferences stored in a personal profile, or unsupported by the telephone service to which the user subscribes are not presented to the operator and thus not made available to the user. If the user is interested in any of the available options, the operator accesses the selected option and makes an appropriate arrangement for the underlying service for the user.

Abstract: A user may utilize a communication device, e.g., a wireless phone, mobile device or personal digital assistant (PDA), to contact an information/call center where an operator provides personalized information and communications services to the user in accordance with the invention. Such services include, e.g., providing individual listing information items on a restrictive basis, caller identification service, etc. To personalize the services, at least one profile record associated with the user is used which specifies the subscribed services and the preferred ways of receiving information. For example, the profile may specify use of a special skilled operator, personal interests, methods of delivery of targeted information to the user, etc.

Abstract: To facilitate managing his/her email through a Voice E-mail™ service, a user is allowed to select one or more sets of commands, with which he/she is familiar or prefers, to be emulated when the user interacts with the service. With this selection in place, when a user communicates with an information assistance provider to access the service, the user is identified and the email data and data concerning the selected commands associated with the user are retrieved. The user may then manage the email data using the selected commands during the service.

Abstract: A user may utilize a communication device, e.g., a wireless phone, mobile device or personal digital assistant (PDA), to contact an information/call center where an operator provides personalized information and communications services to the user in accordance with the invention. Such services include, e.g., providing individual listing information items on a restrictive basis, caller identification service, etc. To personalize the services, at least one profile record associated with the user is used which specifies the subscribed services and the preferred ways of receiving information. For example, the profile may specify use of a special skilled operator, personal interests, methods of delivery of targeted information to the user, etc.