Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a thruster system comprising a thruster and a pulsing power supply. The thruster may include a gas inlet port; a plasma jet outlet; and a first electrode. In some embodiments, the pulsing power supply may provide an electrical potential to the first electrode with a pulse repetition frequency greater than 10 kHz, a voltage greater than 5 kilovolts. In some embodiments, the pressure downstream from the thruster can be less than 10 Torr. In some embodiments, when a plasma is produced within the thruster by energizing a gas flowing into the thruster through the gas inlet port, the plasma is expelled from the thruster through the plasma jet outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide IGBT circuit modules with increased efficiencies. These efficiencies can be realized in a number of ways. In some embodiments, the gate resistance and/or voltage can be minimized. In some embodiments, the IGBT circuit module can be switched using an isolated receiver such as a fiber optic receiver. In some embodiments, a single driver can drive a single IGBT. And in some embodiments, a current bypass circuit can be included. Various other embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

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 fluid management system and a method for managing fluid include a removable cartridge, a fluid reservoir, a fluid exchange pump, and a conduit. The conduit provides fluid communication between the removable cartridge and the fluid reservoir. The fluid exchange pump transfers a first fluid from the fluid reservoir to the removable cartridge in a first direction, and permits a flow of a second fluid from the removable cartridge to the fluid reservoir in a second direction.

Abstract: A fluid management system and a method for managing fluid include a removable cartridge, a fluid reservoir, a fluid exchange pump, and a conduit. The conduit provides fluid communication between the removable cartridge and the fluid reservoir. The fluid exchange pump transfers a first fluid from the fluid reservoir to the removable cartridge in a first direction, and permits a flow of a second fluid from the removable cartridge to the fluid reservoir in a second direction.

Abstract: A fluid management system and a method for managing fluid include a removable cartridge, a fluid reservoir, a fluid exchange pump, and a conduit. The conduit provides fluid communication between the removable cartridge and the fluid reservoir. The fluid exchange pump transfers a first fluid from the fluid reservoir to the removable cartridge in a first direction, and permits a flow of a second fluid from the removable cartridge to the fluid reservoir in a second direction.

Abstract: A fluid management system and a method for managing fluid include a removable cartridge, a fluid reservoir, a fluid exchange pump, and a conduit. The conduit provides fluid communication between the removable cartridge and the fluid reservoir. The fluid exchange pump transfers a first fluid from the fluid reservoir to the removable cartridge in a first direction, and permits a flow of a second fluid from the removable cartridge to the fluid reservoir in a second direction.

Abstract: A communications network has an operator interface system for monitoring and controlling controllers utilizing any known control strategy. A common database is accessible across the communication network of controllers regardless of each controllers dissimilar data structure. The operator interface provides an apparatus for displaying, storing, and editing data obtained from the network. Data from each controller can be accessed by a master device based upon the controller's individual data structure and type through embedded objects resident in the master device's operating system and program. The data can then be displayed, edited, and stored by any data entry device that is capable of executing the master's program.

Abstract: A weld controller is coupled to a communications network which has an operator interface unit for monitoring and controlling the weld controller and other weld controllers on the network. A time of day clock provides a chronological reference to tag weld current and voltage data and other data when it occurs for storage in its memory which is also accessible by the operator interface unit for storing in said system database. A memo pad in the weld controller is also accessible to the network for storing data for diagnostic purposes, said data including faults, events, and other operational data. The data can then be displayed, edited, and stored by the operator interface's program.

Abstract: A weld controller is coupled to a communications network which has an operator interface unit for monitoring and controlling the weld controller and other weld controllers on the network. A common database in the operator interface unit is accessible across the communication network by the weld controller regardless of the data structure of the database. The weld controller can use the database to obtain different weld schedules, duplicate its own weld schedule to provide for easy replacement, and as a data storage for its operating parameters and values. The weld controller has a dual communications port that allows for a variety of operator interface configurations. Data from weld controller can be accessed by the operator interface controller based upon the weld controller's individual data structure and type through embedded objects resident in the operator interface's operating system and program.