Abstract: Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the stapling assembly includes a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein and a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. Adjunct systems for use with a surgical stapler are also provided. Surgical end effectors using the stapling assemblies are also provided. Methods for manufacturing stapling assemblies and using the same are also provided.

Abstract: A security device made up of a security film (130) having (i) an array of image elements (103); (ii) an array of focusing elements (106); and (iii) at least one anti-viscid agent (115), is provided. The array of focusing elements and the array of image elements are disposed relative to each other such that a synthetic image is projected by the security film when at least a portion of the array of image elements are viewed through at least a portion of the array of focusing elements. The anti-viscid agent is coupled with the array of focusing elements.

Abstract: A method of controlling drying stresses through controlled shrinkage of a ceramic coating coated onto a substrate. The method first includes applying a non-cured ceramic coating onto the substrate and permitting the coating to dry until a mechanically stable outer surface layer of the coating is formed. Once this layer is formed, a drying control is applied in a quantity sufficient to penetrate into the surface layer, with the result of such application being the inhibition of formation of a dry outer skin as continued drying is permitted to occur. Once such drying is complete, the outer surface layer is subjected to an elevated temperature for curing and for evaporating therefrom the drying control agent to thereby produce a cured-ceramic coated substrate whose coating is void of large cracks and whose durability is beneficially opportune.

Abstract: A method of controlling drying stresses through controlled shrinkage of a ceramic coating coated onto a substrate. The method first includes applying a non-cured ceramic coating onto the substrate and permitting the coating to dry until a mechanically stable outer surface layer of the coating is formed. Once this layer is formed, a drying control is applied in a quantity sufficient to penetrate into the surface layer, with the result of such application being the inhibition of formation of a dry outer skin as continued drying is permitted to occur. Once such drying is complete, the outer surface layer is subjected to an elevated temperature for curing and for evaporating therefrom the drying control agent to thereby produce a cured-ceramic coated substrate whose coating is void of large cracks and whose durability is beneficially opportune.

Abstract: A rotary sweep scalper for cleaning grains deposited within a hopper. Grains to be processed are deposited through an upper inlet opening in the hopper and fall unto a screen located below. Those grains below a predetermined size pass through the screen to the hopper's lower discharge opening. A drive moves impeller arms located above the screen in the hopper to either force particles below a specified size through the screen or to discharge large particles through the hopper's side discharge opening. These movable impeller arms may be of different sizes and be spaced at different locations above the screen. Actual contact with the grain may be through a flexible flap attached to the lower edge of the impeller arms.