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: An end-effector is disclosed including an ultrasonic blade configured to acoustically couple to an ultrasonic transducer and electrically couple to a pole of an electrical generator and a clamp arm including a clamp jaw and a cantilever electrode fixed to the clamp jaw. The cantilever electrode is configured to electrically couple to an opposite pole of the electrical generator. The clamp arm may include an I-beam shaped clamp arm pad and the cantilever electrode is disposed between the I-beam. The clamp jaw, the cantilever electrode, and the clamp arm pad may define recesses along a length coinciding with the ultrasonic blade. The clamp arm pad may be fixed to the clamp jaw and disposed between the clamp jaw and the cantilever electrode and may extend beyond the surface of the cantilever electrode. The clamp arm may include a stationary gap setting pad and movable floating gap setting pads.

Abstract: A structure for a vertical unitized compartmentalized sorting/holding container compatible with plastic bags for use where sundry recyclable materials are generated and discarded. There is provided a retaining apparatus in which the action of discarding, at the same time, sorts and holds various materials for recycling purposes in several sloping rhomboid compartments, one over the other, providing fifty per cent greater holding volume than level rectangular compartments of the same floor space. Further, dull hooks advantageously located hold plastic bags open for filling from the front instead of the top. Pull-down doors, render easy loading, and serve to isolate odors and obscure trash from view. Flat newspaper storage is provided in the bottom. The construction of the container provides for free-standing use in interior or exterior environments and flush in-wall installation.