Abstract: In various embodiments, an improved catheter insertion device is described that provides an improved flashback response and use for deep vein access. In various embodiments, the improved flashback response comprises two separate and distinct flash events, the first indicating insertion of a cannula in a blood vessel, and a second indicating insertion of a catheter in the blood vessel. The two flash responses are made possible by a combination of features provided on the cannula, such as including a view window in the cannula and a flat relief portion on the outer surface of the cannula at the distal opening.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an improved catheter insertion device is described that provides an improved flashback response and use for deep vein access. In various embodiments, the improved flashback response comprises two separate and distinct flash events, the first indicating insertion of a cannula in a blood vessel, and a second indicating insertion of a catheter in the blood vessel. The two flash responses are made possible by a combination of features provided on the cannula, such as including a view window in the cannula and a flat relief portion on the outer surface of the cannula at the distal opening.

Abstract: A surgical stapler including a shipping lock configured to obstruct movement of a drive member is provided. The surgical stapler includes an elongate body, a tool assembly pivotally secured to the elongate body, a drive member movable within the tool assembly between retracted and advanced positions, and a shipping lock releasably secured to the elongate body. The shipping lock includes a projection. When the shipping lock is secured to the elongate body, the projection obstructs movement of the drive member to its advanced position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector including a first jaw and a second jaw, a drive beam disposed inside the end effector, a first blade, and a second blade. The drive beam is slidably attached to the first jaw. The drive beam includes a cut-out defining a first surface, a second surface, and a vertical strut. The first blade is attached to the first surface and the vertical strut. The second blade is attached to the first blade and the second surface.

Abstract: A surgical handle assembly includes a power pack, an outer shell housing configured to selectively encase the power pack therein, and a sensor assembly attached to the outer shell housing. The sensor assembly includes a plurality of sensors for gathering and storing information about a surgical procedure.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an improved catheter insertion device is described that provides an improved flashback response and use for deep vein access. In various embodiments, the improved flashback response comprises two separate and distinct flash events, the first indicating insertion of a cannula in a blood vessel, and a second indicating insertion of a catheter in the blood vessel. The two flash responses are made possible by a combination of features provided on the cannula, such as including a view window in the cannula and a flat relief portion on the outer surface of the cannula at the distal opening.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a lockout condition of a component includes a padlock and a lockout device. The padlock incudes a lock body and a shackle assembled with the lock body and manually moveable between a locked position secured with the lock body and an unlocked position separable from the lock body. The padlock includes a first communication module configured to wirelessly communicate a first data signal including a first identification code identifying the padlock. The lockout device includes an apertured member defining at least a first lock aperture and being moveable between a lockout condition blocking operation of the component and an access condition permitting operation of the component. A second communication module is provided with one of the lockout device and the component and configured to wirelessly communicate a second data signal including a second identification code identifying one of the lockout device and the component.

Abstract: A surgical stapler including a shipping lock configured to obstruct movement of a drive member is provided. The surgical stapler includes an elongate body, a tool assembly pivotally secured to the elongate body, a drive member movable within the tool assembly between retracted and advanced positions, and a shipping lock releasably secured to the elongate body. The shipping lock includes a projection. When the shipping lock is secured to the elongate body, the projection obstructs movement of the drive member to its advanced position.

Abstract: In a method of monitoring lockout procedures, a first lockout device is secured with a first component in a lockout condition to block operation of the first component, and a corresponding first data signal is received, with the first data signal including at least a first identification code corresponding to the first lockout device. A second lockout device is secured with a second component in a lockout condition to block operation of the second component, and a corresponding second data signal is received, with the second data signal including at least a second identification code corresponding to the second lockout device. The first and second data signals are monitored to determine an order in which the first and second lockout devices have been locked out, which is compared with a predefined lockout procedure. An alert is provided if the order is inconsistent with the predefined lockout procedure.

Abstract: In a method of monitoring lockout procedures, a first lockout device is secured with a first component in a lockout condition to block operation of the first component, and a corresponding first data signal is received, with the first data signal including at least a first identification code corresponding to the first lockout device. A second lockout device is secured with a second component in a lockout condition to block operation of the second component, and a corresponding second data signal is received, with the second data signal including at least a second identification code corresponding to the second lockout device. The first and second data signals are monitored to determine an order in which the first and second lockout devices have been locked out, which is compared with a predefined lockout procedure. An alert is provided if the order is inconsistent with the predefined lockout procedure.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a lockout condition of a component includes a lockout device, a lock unit, and a reader. The lockout device is moveable between a lockout condition blocking operation of the component and an access condition permitting operation of the component. The lock unit is configured to be secured to a lockout interface of the lockout device to secure the lockout device in the lockout condition. One of the lockout device and the lock unit includes a communication module configured to communicate a data signal including an identification code identifying the one of the lockout device and the lock unit. The reader is remote from the one of the lockout device and the lock unit, and is configured to receive the data signal at least when the lockout device is assembled with the component and the lock unit is secured to the lockout interface of the lockout device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an anvil assembly, a cartridge assembly, and a knife assembly having first and second blades, a curved blade or a circular blade, any of which may be serrated or uniform.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a lockout condition of a component includes a lockout device, a lock unit, and a reader. The lockout device is moveable between a lockout condition blocking operation of the component and an access condition permitting operation of the component. The lock unit is configured to be secured to a lockout interface of the lockout device to secure the lockout device in the lockout condition. One of the lockout device and the lock unit includes a communication module configured to communicate a data signal including an identification code identifying the one of the lockout device and the lock unit. The reader is remote from the one of the lockout device and the lock unit, and is configured to receive the data signal at least when the lockout device is assembled with the component and the lock unit is secured to the lockout interface of the lockout device.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a lockout condition of a component includes a lockout device, a lock unit, and a reader. The lockout device is moveable between a lockout condition blocking operation of the component and an access condition permitting operation of the component. The lock unit is configured to be secured to a lockout interface of the lockout device to secure the lockout device in the lockout condition. One of the lockout device and the lock unit includes a communication module configured to communicate a data signal including an identification code identifying the one of the lockout device and the lock unit. The reader is remote from the one of the lockout device and the lock unit, and is configured to receive the data signal at least when the lockout device is assembled with the component and the lock unit is secured to the lockout interface of the lockout device.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a lockout condition of a component includes a lockout device, a lock unit, and a reader. The lockout device is moveable between a lockout condition blocking operation of the component and an access condition permitting operation of the component. The lock unit is configured to be secured to a lockout interface of the lockout device to secure the lockout device in the lockout condition. One of the lockout device and the lock unit includes a communication module configured to communicate a data signal including an identification code identifying the one of the lockout device and the lock unit. The reader is remote from the one of the lockout device and the lock unit, and is configured to receive the data signal at least when the lockout device is assembled with the component and the lock unit is secured to the lockout interface of the lockout device.

Abstract: A particulate separation system for accurate measurement of vapor-phase mercury in a flue gas stream uses an inertial gas sampling filter in which the skin temperature of the filter element is controlled to allow vapor-phase mercury measurements while minimizing measurement artifacts caused by: (1) mercury thermally desorbing off particulates into the gas stream; and (2) mercury being removed from the vapor phase by collection on particulate matter at the gas/particle separation interface.

Abstract: A particulate separation system for accurate measurement of vapor-phase mercury in a flue gas stream uses an inertial gas sampling filter in which the skin temperature of the filter element is controlled to allow vapor-phase mercury measurements while minimizing measurement artifacts caused by: (1) mercury thermally desorbing off particulates into the gas stream; and (2) mercury being removed from the vapor phase by collection on particulate matter at the gas/particle separation interface.