Abstract: A powered fastener driver includes a driver blade movable from a top-dead-center (TDC) position to a bottom-dead-center (BDC) position for driving a fastener into a workpiece and a drive unit for providing torque to move the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. A rotary lifter is engageable with the driver blade and configured to receive torque from the drive unit for returning the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position. The lifter has a body, a drive pin coupled to the body, and a roller positioned on the drive pin. The roller includes an engagement section configured to receive an end portion of a tooth of the driver blade. The lifter includes a means for aligning the engagement section with the end portion of the tooth on the driver blade to facilitate meshing between the end portion and the roller.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for a multi-frequency sampling system. A system implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes a first bandpass filter to filter a radio frequency (RF) signal to generate a first filtered signal in a first frequency band, and a second bandpass filter to filter the RF signal to generate a second filtered signal in a second frequency band. The system also includes a first analog to digital converter (ADC) operating at a first sampling frequency to convert the first filtered signal to a first digital signal and a second ADC operating at a second sampling frequency to convert the second filtered signal to a second digital signal. The first frequency band is selected to avoid a first Nyquist boundary zone associated with the first sampling frequency and the second frequency band is selected to avoid a second Nyquist boundary zone associated with the second sampling frequency.

Abstract: Methods and kits for treating infection associated with implantation of a medical device use of minocycline and rifampin microparticles. The microparticles, in a suitable medium, can be injected in a patient in proximity to the device. The drugs may be configured to be released from the polymer matrix in a controlled manner by manipulation of the properties of the polymer forming the microparticle. By injecting the drugs in the form of microparticles, the drugs can be distributed in a manner so that the entire pocket is protected without affecting device function. The microparticles can be produced aseptically without affecting the manufacturing of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing reinforced surgical fastener suture lines to prevent tissue tearing and fluid leakage following the creation of an anastomosis, the closing of margins following the removal of diseased tissue, and/or the ligating and dividing of individual blood vessels. A retainer assembly is provided having an alignment frame and a pressure equalization member. The alignment frame includes an internally disposed receiving area for housing the pressure equalization member and a pair of guide channels disposed in fluid communication with the receiving area for guiding the jaw members of a surgical fastener applying device into contact with pledget material disposed within the receiving area.