Abstract: Clips having pseudoelastlc properties at body temperature are used to cause hemostatis of blood vessels located along the gastrointestinal tract. Methods for causing the hemostasis of blood vessels and ulcer beds using the clips of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A controllable sheath for optimizing the control of surgical instruments at the operation site includes a flexible sheath surrounding an endoscope and including a lumen extending along the walls of the sheath and adjacent to the endoscope. The lumen permits the passage of surgical instruments from the proximal end of the endoscopic device to the operation site. The lumen extends beyond the distal end of the endoscope and deflects at the distal end as desired by the operator's manipulation of a controller device. This distal end deflection may occur through various different techniques where the ability to deflect the lumen gives the operator increased control and maneuverability over the surgical implements located in the lumen. Depending upon the particular requirements of the surgical procedure, the controllable sheath may include any number of lumens capable of distal end deflection.

Abstract: A system including an implantable fastener for fastening layers of tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment, the fastener includes a proximal anchor member and a distal anchor member each being movable from a reduced profile position to a deployed position. The anchor members are mesh structures capable of moving to the deployed position by reducing the axial spacing between opposite ends of the anchor members.Methods of treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are also disclosed. One of the methods includes placing the distal anchor member through a hole formed in the wall of the esophagus and through a hole formed in the gastric wall. The distal anchor member and the proximal anchor member are then placed in their deployed positions to fasten the wall of the esophagus and the gastric wall together between the anchor members.

Abstract: Control apparatus is provided for pneumatically operating a sliding door on a marine vessel. A dual pneumatic system provides for a first pressure to operate the switching mechanisms of the control apparatus, while a second lower pressure provides for operation of a pneumatic cylinder to achieve door travel. Operation of the door may be controlled from either side of the door. Upon loss of pneumatic pressure, the control apparatus provides for relieving of the pressure to allow manual operation of the door. In a manual state of operating, flow controls are provided to regulate door travel in accordance with external force applied to the door. Controlled low pressure maintains the door in an open or a closed position.

Abstract: Clips having pseudoelastic properties at body temperature are used to cause hemostatis of blood vessels located along the gastrointestinal tract. Methods for causing the hemostasis of blood vessels and ulcer beds using the clips of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An anvil for a surgical fastener assembly is disclosed. The anvil has a staple-forming surface upon which a plurality of pockets are displayed for staple formation. First and second sidewalls extend from the staple-forming surface. Cutting guides extend laterally from the sidewalls to provide a uniform surface upon which a user can apply pressure with a scalpel to staple tissue in a direction generally parallel to the vertical staple row. An even margin can be maintained between the staple row and the cut line, thus increasing the degree of confidence and skill that the user can employ when cutting the fastened tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a generally cylindrical two-layer, vertically-compressed tablet having a longitudinal axis longer than its diameter is provided in which a generally cylindrical die cavity is provided on a die table with the longitudinal axis of the die cavity being vertically disposed. An upper punch provided above the die cavity rides on an upper cam assembly which controls the movement of the upper punch to and from the die cavity. A lower punch provided below the die cavity rides on a lower cam assembly which raises and lowers the lower punch relative to the die cavity. In operation, the lower punch is positioned and a first powder is added in a metered amount to the die cavity. The upper punch then tamps down the first powder within the die cavity. The lower punch is positioned to receive a metered amount of a second powder in the die cavity above the first powder.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a generally cylindrical two-layer, vertically-compressed tablet having a longitudinal axis longer than its diameter is provided in which a generally cylindrical die cavity is provided on a die table with the longitudinal axis of the die cavity being vertically disposed. An upper punch provided above the die cavity rides on an upper cam assembly which controls the movement of the upper punch to and from the die cavity. A lower punch provided below the die cavity rides on a lower cam assembly which raises and lowers the lower punch relative to the die cavity. In operation, the lower punch is positioned and a first powder is added in a metered amount to the die cavity. The upper punch then tamps down the first powder within the die cavity. The lower punch is positioned to receive a metered amount of a second powder in the die cavity above the first powder.

Abstract: A plurality of lateral beams (28) are spaced along a center reference line. This line is preferably a mean contour between the curvatures at the lateral edges of panel (6). The longitudinal axes of beams (28) are oriented at a constant angle, preferably 90.degree., to the line. The ends of beams (28) are essentially identical. Two edge members (14, 16) have mating surfaces with essentially constant cross-sectional shapes and longitudinal axes that conform to the curvatures at said lateral edges. Members (14, 16) are twisted about their respective longitudinal axes to bring said mating surfaces into engagement with the ends of beams (28). The reference line may be located slightly inboard of the operational compound curvature of the panel (6) to give the panel (6) a modified, flattened contour. In such case, panel (6) is sufficiently flexible to bow to conform to said curvature when the inboard side of panel (6) is pressurized.

Abstract: Improved means and methods for detecting the possibility of a failure occurring in the operation of a digital circuit when operating in a normal manner in a data processing system without any previous or present failure having occurred. In a particular preferred embodiment, the potential possibility of a failure occurring in a clocked digital circuit is detected by determining whether an input signal applied to the digital circuit is stable for a predetermined minimum time period relative to the clock.

Abstract: A circuit useful for detecting transitions occurring in a relatively short duration input signal applied to a clocked digital circuit in order to determine whether the input signal is stable over a predetermined minimum time period relative to the clock. In a preferred embodiment, the transitions are detected by taking advantage of the inherent delays occurring as the signal propagates through predetermined circuit components.