Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for endoscopic application of surgical staples adapted to attach surgical mesh to body tissue in laparoscopic hernia surgery. The apparatus includes a frame, and a generally elongated endoscopic section connected to the frame and extending distally therefrom. A staple storage cartridge is removably supported on a pivotal support system at the distal end portion of the endoscopic section with each staple being configured and adapted to attach the mesh to the body tissue. An elongated pusher system formed of several assembled components and extending from the frame to the endoscopic section is provided for individually advancing at least one staple at a time distally for positioning adjacent the surgical mesh and the body tissue. The pusher system also includes a trigger system to actuate the pusher.

Abstract: In a publish/subscribe data processing broker network having a plurality of broker data processing apparatuses, each of which has an input for receiving published messages directly from a publisher application and/or receiving subscription data directly from a subscriber application, and each of which having a means for receiving a published message on a first topic and assigning a broker-specific sequence number to the received message; a first broker apparatus has: a software unit for determining a failure of a neighboring broker apparatus which has provided published messages on the first topic to the first broker apparatus; and a software unit for sending historic resubscriptions with respect to the first topic to each antecedent broker apparatus of the failed neighboring broker apparatus by using the broker-specific sequence number corresponding to each antecedent broker apparatus.

Abstract: A publish/subscribe data processing broker apparatus has: a means for receiving from a publisher application data messages published on a subject-specific stream by the publisher application; and a means for distributing the received published data messages to a subscriber application which has requested to receive messages on the stream upon which the published messages were published, the means for distributing including a plurality of connected distribution agent data processing units; wherein one of the streams is reserved for messages published by a publishing distribution agent data processing unit and intended for receipt by a subscribing distribution agent data processing unit located adjacent the publishing distribution agent data processing unit or intended for receipt by a subscriber application located adjacent the publishing distribution agent data processing unit.

Abstract: An abrasive plate having an abrasive surface for performing abrading applications is provided. The plate includes a base member having a substantially smooth surface with a plurality of holes formed therethrough. A plurality of pairs of spaced apart slots radiate outwardly from each of the holes to define tab members. The tab members may be selectively raised or deformed to protrude from the smooth surface to collectively form an abrasive surface. The number of tabs raised may be selected to control the coarseness of the surface.

Abstract: By employing two integrated components which cooperate to achieve a product dispensing trigger assembly, and mounting these two components to a container within which the desired product is retained and on which a desired seal is mounted, a unique fluid product holding and dispensing system is realized. In the present invention, the fluid product holding and dispensing system possesses two separate and distinct locked positions which assures that the system is retained in either locked position, until change is desired by the user. As a result, accidental or unwanted activation of the system is completely eliminated and users are assured that the product retained and sealed in the container remains sealed until use is desired and accidental opening or rupturing of the seal is completely eliminated.

Abstract: An abrasive plate for use with a power sanding device having an abrasive surface for performing abrading applications. The plate includes at least two rows of protrusions. The protrusions in each row have an orientation substantially the same as the other protrusions in the respective row. The protrusions in each row have a bottom edge portion oriented at an angle of from about 45.degree. to about 135.degree. with respect to the bottom edge portions of the protrusions in each adjacent row. By providing an abrasive plate having protrusions with the above-noted orientations, the forces transmitted through the plate between a surface being treated and a power sander will be substantially balanced.

Abstract: By employing two principal integrated components which incorporate a reusable sealing member, a resealable product dispensing trigger assembly is achieved. By mounting these two components to a container within which the desired product is retained, a complete fluid product holding and dispensing system is realized. In the present invention, the fluid product holding and dispensing system is alternately repeatedly movable between two separate and distinct locked positions which assures that the system is retained in either locked position, until change is desired by the user. In one position, the container is sealed, while in the second position, the container is open and the fluid is accessible. By employing the present invention, users are assured that the product retained in the container remains sealed until use is desired and accidental opening of the container is completely eliminated. Furthermore, the product can be partially used and resealed by returning the dispensing system to its first position.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing trocar wounds and a method for using such apparatus. The apparatus includes a fastener having three or more legs attached to a base. The fastener is placed over a wound and its legs are embedded in tissue about the wound. In other embodiments a fastener is placed under the wound to engage fascia and skin tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for endoscopic application of surgical staples adapted to attach surgical mesh to body tissue in laparoscopic hernia surgery. The apparatus includes a frame, and a generally elongated endoscopic section connected to the frame and extending distally therefrom. A staple storage cartridge is removably supported on a pivotal support system at the distal end portion of the endoscopic section with each staple being configured and adapted to attach the mesh to the body tissue. An elongated pusher system formed of several assembled components and extending from the frame to the endoscopic section is provided for individually advancing at least one staple at a time distally for positioning adjacent the surgical mesh and the body tissue. The pusher system also includes a trigger system to actuate the pusher.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for endoscopic application of surgical staples adapted to attach surgical mesh to body tissue in laparoscopic hernia surgery. The apparatus includes a frame, and a generally elongated endoscopic section connected to the frame and extending distally therefrom. A staple storage cartridge is removably supported on a pivotal support system at the distal end portion of the endoscopic section with each staple being configured and adapted to attach the mesh to the body tissue. An elongated pusher system formed of several assembled components and extending from the frame to the endoscopic section is provided for individually advancing at least one staple at a time distally for positioning adjacent the surgical mesh and the body tissue. The pusher system also includes a trigger system to actuate the pusher.