Abstract: An endcap includes a first plate member having a radial inner portion, a radial outer portion, and defining a longitudinal axis. The endcap also includes a flange disposed between the radial inner and outer portions, and projecting axially along the longitudinal axis in a first direction. The endcap also includes a first seal member disposed adjacent the flange. The first seal member includes a first portion engaged with an axial facing surface of the first plate member and a second portion engaged with a radially facing surface of the flange. The endcap further includes a second plate member disposed radially outward of the radial outer portion and a second seal member disposed adjacent the second plate member including at least a portion axially spaced from the axially facing surface of the first plate member in a second direction along the longitudinal axis opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane fluid transport device and its method of manufacture are disclosed wherein the fibers are comprised of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the potting materials are comprised of fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer based materials. The potting method described herein, utilizes a compressed chemically resistant fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer film, allows for ease of manufacture without destruction of the PTFE hollow fibers, with high packing densities, and without the processing complexity of pre-melting, extruding, or chemical crosslinking of any polymeric adhesives. Furthermore, the PTFE hollow fibers can be treated with a fluoropolymeric solvent solution before the chemically resistant film is applied to enhance the adhesion of the PTFE fiber to the film.

Abstract: A centrifugal assembly is provided that can be used in common laboratory fixed angle or swinging bucket centrifuges for the separation of material, such as parasitic ova, based on particle density. The centrifugal assembly allows the fluid level to be gently adjusted to form a meniscus without disruption of the buoyant matter, such as ova. The centrifugal assembly also enables a user to easily and hygienically collect and transfer a measured amount of a sample, such as fecal material, and to break apart and mix the sample with a floatation fluid contained in a centrifuge tube.

Abstract: An interlocking assembly of two generally rectangular panels with one of each of their edges aligned proximately to each other at a generally orthogonal engagement, each of the panels including a plurality of matching recess cut-outs in the adjacent edges in which dishes can be engaged in a cantilevered manner. Each of the cut-outs is shaped to include a convex curvature in its lower edge which is opposed by a spaced, generally matching convolution in the upper edge to serve respectively as a large diameter fulcrum to cooperate with an off-set periphery engaging opposing surface between which the dish is captured. To insure a conforming capture the cut-out edges may be covered with a resilient covering.

Abstract: An interlocking assembly of two generally rectangular panel pairs hinged to each other with one edge of each of the panels including a plurality of recess cut-outs aligned adjacent matching cut-outs in an adjacent edge of the other panel of the respective panel pair in which dishes can be engaged in a cantilevered manner. A telescoping handle extends across the two generally rectangular panel pairs to select the degree of the hinged articulation between the panels of the two generally rectangular panel pairs. To insure a conforming capture of the dishes the respective cut-outs may be covered with a resilient covering.

Abstract: A dishwasher rack assembly includes a bottom wall formed of spaced apart lateral rods crossed by spaced apart longitudinal rods to define an open lattice structure. A plurality of fixed vertical tines extend upward from the bottom wall and are arranged in pairs along the longitudinal or lateral rods of the bottom wall with a defined space between adjacent pairs of the fixed vertical tines. A frame structure is provided with a shape and size so as to slide along the bottom wall between the pairs of fixed vertical tines. A plurality of vertical tines extend upward from the frame structure and are arranged in pairs along the frame structure. A securement mechanism is configured between the frame structure and the bottom wall to accommodate relative movement and anchoring between the frame structure and the bottom wall for variable positioning of the frame structure tines relative to the pairs of fixed vertical tines.

Abstract: A weapon wall mount is provided with the mount having a continuous base plate which matches the silhouette of a weapon. The continuous base plate has equidistantly spaced countersunk holes providing uniform attachment to a wall. The wall having wall studs spaced at least between a range of 12 inches to 24 inches on center. The base plate has a transversely aligned support which provides longitudinal and vertical support to the weapon. In addition the base plate has a transversely aligned locking shaft to receive a lock. When mounted, the weapon restricts access to the equidistantly spaced countersunk holes so that the mount and weapon cannot be easily removed from the wall. This mount also provides the appearance of the weapon securely fastened and mounted to the wall without the noticeable visual appearance of any support.

Abstract: A hanger device includes a bracket; a first hanger arm having a top surface, wherein the top surface of the first hanger arm includes at least one notch, and wherein the first hanger arm is connected to the bracket via a first hinge; and a second hanger arm having a top surface, wherein the top surface of the second hanger arm comprises at least one notch, and wherein the second hanger arm is connected to the first hanger arm via a second hinge. The hanger arms may also include at least one eyelet.

Abstract: An accessory merchandiser for displaying products. The accessory merchandiser includes a modular unit including a plurality of first members and a plurality of second members, wherein the first and second members form a grid structure, a plurality of indicator marks formed on each second member, and a plurality of coupling members configured to removably couple the modular unit to a fixture. The plurality of indicator marks form a marking grid.

Abstract: A hanging closet includes closet body having a plurality of horizontal panels arranged at different elevations to divide the inside space of the closet body into multiple compartments and a plurality of horizontal splits on one or both of the two opposing sidewalls, and compartment support members each having a first support panel and a third support panel respectively insertable through two adjacent horizontal splits of the closet body into the inside of the associating horizontal panels to give a support and a flexible connection pocket connected between the first and third support panels that can be stuffed with a second support panel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a telescoping wire cable tray system. The wire cable tray system includes an outer wire cable tray and an inner wire cable tray positioned within the outer wire cable tray. The inner wire cable tray slides or telescopes with respect to the outer wire cable tray enabling the length of the wire cable trays to be adjusted during installation of the wire cable tray system. The wire cable tray system may include trapeze support bars, clamps, side walls or downspout fittings.

Abstract: A blank for a rack with at least one shelf designed as a starting plate with at least one bending region in the form a number of segments and openings. The starting plate includes a number of elements which each have a side extending along a bending region while the other sides of the element are free whereby the rack is quickly and easily formed by bending these elements about their bending regions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hoisting crane comprising a column, a jib and a jib connection member which is disposed on the column and to which the jib is connected pivotably. The crane further comprises an annular bearing structure extending around the column guiding and carrying the jib connection member rotatable about the column. The annular bearing structure comprises one or more column bearing parts connected to the column, comprising column bearing surfaces associated with the vertical column and one or more jib bearing parts connected to the jib connection member, comprising jib bearing surfaces associated with the jib connection member. A first column bearing surface is oriented substantially vertically and is arranged in a radial direction more inwards than a first jib bearing surface arranged opposite the first column bearing surfaces, to support radially inwards directed horizontal loads from the jib connection member to the column.

Abstract: What is described is a middle buffer coupling for rail-bound vehicles, comprising two coupling halves (2, 2?) to be coupled together attached to vehicle parts (A, B), each of said coupling halves (2, 2?) comprising a coupling rod (8, 8?) with a coupling head (12, 12?), and comprising a connecting element (16) for manually connecting the two coupling heads (12, 12?). Disposed at each coupling head (12, 12?) is an electrical contact element (32, 34) for contacting with the contact element of the other respective coupling head (12, 12?) when the two coupling halves (2, 2?) are coupled. Routed within each coupling rod (8, 8?) are electrical lines (18, 18?) that lead from the contact elements (32, 34) of the associated coupling head (12, 12?) to the vehicle part (A, B) to which the coupling halves (2, 2?) comprising said coupling rods (8, 8?) are attached, respectively.

Abstract: A double-skinned inflatable bottle blank is manufactured by: (i) stacking two sheets of liquid impermeable, flexible foil material; (ii) blanking the sheets; (iii) bonding the two blanks along joining seams that follow contoured perimeter edges to define a double skinned blank which can be inflated through an inflation location; (iv) additionally bonding the two blanks at in a predetermined grid of seams to provide an upstanding peripheral wall with intersecting, inflatable stiffener structures; (v) folding the double skinned blank; and (vi) selectively bonding together portions of the joined perimeter edge of the double skinned blank to define a double-skinned, inflatable bottle blank with an internal cavity surrounded by a bottom wall, peripheral wall and top wall with a dispensing orifice, the inflatable stiffener structures between the seams providing an exoskeleton about the internal cavity when inflated.

Abstract: The plastic container includes a hollow body of plastic material having a lower supporting base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the lower base and an upper neck portion extending upwardly from the sidewall with an opening therein. The sidewall includes at least one panel having a central region and an outer boundary, with the outer boundary being depressed with respect to the central region.

Abstract: A container has a bottle enclosing a prescribed volume having a sidewall including a pair of recesses situated on opposite sides of a vertical midline, with at least one passage extending between the pair of recesses. A handle has first and second portions adapted to be received wholly within the pair of recesses in the sidewall. Connecting portions extend through the passage in a portion of the sidewall to connect the first and second handle portions to each other. The connecting portions include a hinge permitting the first and second portions to be displaced from within the sidewall recesses to a position projecting outward from the sidewall sufficiently to permit the first and second portions to be grasped in one hand by a user of the container.

Abstract: A container enclosing a prescribed volume having a sidewall including at least one of recess, each recess including at least one socket portion. A handle element adapted to be received in each recess, each of the handle element including at least one ball portion received in the socket portion of the recess, the ball portion being pivotable within the socket portion so as to permit the handle element to be displaced from within the sidewall recesses to a position projecting outward from the sidewall sufficiently to permit the a middle portion of the handle element to be grasped in one hand by a user of the container.

Abstract: A transport frame for transporting material and/or piece goods. At each bottom corner of the transport frame (1), a notch (6) is formed. The height (h) of the notch (6) is high enough to allow the bottom (7) of the transport frame (1), when the transport frame (1) is placed on top of transport protrusions (13) and/or locking clamps (14), to settle without bending against the mounting base (12) at least at some point.

Abstract: Presented is a composite panel container sidewall construction that provides additional interior logistics slots in the sidewalls of the container for securing cargo loaded into the container. The sidewall is constructed from posts, outer sheets, inner liners, and logistics panels. The outer sheets have inward protrusions that are secured into pockets in the posts. The logistic panels may include logistic slots that may be used to secure cargo or tie downs to the sidewall of the trailer.

Abstract: A refill adapter for a travel toothpaste tube is provided as an adapter which has one end to be engaged with a large-capacity toothpaste tube and the other end to be engaged with a travel toothpaste tube. The refill equipment is integrated with a cap for the travel toothpaste in order to be carried together with the cap as one body. The cap for the travel toothpaste tube includes a refill adapter, which is configured to be a hollow tube and have one end to be engaged with a nozzle of a large-capacity toothpaste tube and the other end to be engaged with a nozzle of the travel toothpaste tube, and an upper cap configured to be detachably engaged with the one end of the refill adapter.

Abstract: A filter housing having a lid that is mateable with a vessel portion. An arm that is rotationally fixed relative to the housing having threads that mate with threads in a ratcheting mechanism. Rotating the ratcheting mechanism raises the lid because the ratcheting mechanism is fixed from longitudinal movement. A slot in which a pin rides is used to fix rotation, the slot has an aligned portion and an angled portion. The aligned portion is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the arm and the angled portion is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the arm. As the arm raises and the pin rides in the aligned portion of the slot, the lid raises without rotation, and as the pin rides in the angled portion the lid raises and rotates.

Abstract: A two piece clamping ring and lever system for retaining removable lids to containers comprises a split circular ring. The ring first end includes outwardly extending receiving hooks. The second end of the ring includes pivot bosses comprising a pivot shaft and enlarged button. A lever with pivot shafts engages with the ring first end. When the lever is closed contact surfaces on an inwardly projecting transverse beam on the underside of the lever and outwardly projecting beams on the ring first end engage to relieve stresses on the lever pivot shafts and ring first end pivot receiving hooks. A second stress transfer relationship is engaged as an inwardly facing transverse beam extending between the sidewalls of the second end is slideably engaged into corresponding receiving channels outwardly facing from the ring first end thereby relieving stresses on the pivot bosses and corresponding longitudinally extending lever bearing surface.

Abstract: A closure for pressure vessels provides ease in access to the inside of a pressure vessel and at the same time provides a tight pressure seal for the closure. The closure for pressure vessels includes a hub adapted to fit on to an opening on the pressure vessel, a door connected to the hub, a hinge assembly to secure the door to the hub, and a locking assembly attached to the door. The locking assembly includes a slide lock operating around a central support, a plurality of locking lug arms radially operating around the central support, a pressure alert valve connected to the door, and a handle connected to the slide plate operating around the central support. The handle moves the locking assembly from a locking position to an unlocking position as the result of the groove pattern machined in the back of the slide plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and protecting interchangeable camera lenses includes a cylindrical body shell having a rigid wall with a soft lined interior surface, a base end cap positioned at a bottom end to form a closed-end floor, and a mouth member disposed at a top end to form an opening sized to receive a camera lens. A lid cap is removably engageable in a two-stage rotational interference fit with the mouth member. In a first stage of the fit, the lid cap is translatable along the axis of the body shell, with respect to the mouth member, between a non fluid tight position and a fluid-tight position; and in a second stage, the lid cap is retained in a fluid-tight position. A kit for creating a customized ring includes a stabilizing disk of an outer dimension to frictionally engage the interior of the body shell, and a guide member.

Abstract: An easily openable metal can largely openable in the arranged state of two sheet metal-made cans in series. A means such as a projection for opening the drinking mouth of another can is formed at the lower part of a can body, and a break line and a means for guiding the means such as the projection are formed at the upper part thereof.

Abstract: A trash receptacle is configured to use a shopping bag as a liner by hanging the shopping bag handles over handles or other extensions of the trash receptacle. Separating features such as protruding handle appendages and/or recessed or horizontally offset receptacle rims provide grasping spaces below the suspended bag handles into which a user's hands can be inserted for easy grasping of the bag handles during bag removal. The receptacle extensions can be fixed or removably attachable to the trash receptacle, or can be fixed to a removable receptacle adaptor. They can be curved and/or slanted inward. They can pivot inward during bag removal to relieve strain on the bag handles. Pivoting handles can be conveniently released by a foot pedal or by actuating a hand trigger while lifting the bag handles. A receptacle lid can be included, and a foot pedal can be used to operate the lid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooking vessel having a non-stick coating, a handle and a vessel body. According to the invention, the inner surface of the vessel body is provided with a multiplicity of oil wells, the inner side of which wells is provided with studs of which the height is less than the depth of the oil wells, wherein the upper surface of the oil wells is provided with a non-stick coating, and the thickness of the non-stick coating is greater than the height of the studs and at the same time less than the depth of the oil wells.

Abstract: A bowl holder for a bowl adapted for serving a hot meal includes a top structure configured for a removable placement of the bowl into the bowl holder, a bottom plate, and sidewalls disposed between the top structure and the bottom plate near perimeters thereof.

Abstract: A stowing mechanism for a laptop or other device can secure different devices with varying thicknesses and widths within a compartment. The mechanism includes a cover which serves as the actuator for a jack mechanism. A pressure plate pivotally attached to the jack mechanism pushes against the device when the lid is closed, thereby securing the device within the compartment. The device can be released from the secure position by opening the cover. A buffer spring operating in conjunction with the jacking mechanism allows the mechanism to secure devices having different thicknesses and widths, while the pivotal pressure plate allows the plate to conform to devices having different shapes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure container comprising a thin-walled, cylindrical metal liner (1) having bases (8) on the end sections and an outer stable jacket (2) that surrounds the liner (1). At least one of the bases (8) of the liner (1) has a slight convex curvature towards the interior of the liner (1). A pressure converter (4) is situated between the outer surface of the convex base (8) and the inner surface of a base part of the stable jacket (2), said converter being constructed from a rigid profiled base on the side facing the base part of the rigid jacket (2) and a deformable cushion (6) of viscoelastic material on the side facing the convex base (8).

Abstract: A container or tray having various features. The container or tray comprises at least one sidewall having a top edge, the top edge of the at least one sidewall corresponding to a top surface of the tray and a bottom surface adjacent to the sidewall. A flange extends laterally outward from the top edge and is foldably connected to the sidewall at the top edge. The flange comprises at least a portion of the top surface of the tray. An injection-molded feature at least partially encapsulates the flange. The injection-molded feature comprising resin and has a first region in contact with the sidewall and at least a portion of the flange, and a second region adjacent the first region and extending laterally outward from the first region to a free edge of the injection-molded feature. The first region has a greater cross-sectional area than the second region.

Abstract: A disposable child's drinking cup has a lid with a drinking spout defining multiple open holes sized to resist leakage in the absence of suction, such as by the development of surface tension at the holes, and to allow flow when suction is applied. The holes are formed during molding of the lid. An inner contour of a groove of the lid and an outer contour of the cup body rim are selected to provide a slight snap fit of the lid onto the cup body, to provide a secure seal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container comprising a lid and a base. The lid has a top surface and a side wall all about the perimeter of the top surface. The side wall has a lip which may be formed from a rolled edge. The base has a bottom surface and a side wall. The side wall further includes a plurality of tapered sections, a plurality of retention bumps, and a plurality of pivot bumps. The lid is adapted to fit over the base such that the rolled edge abuts underneath the retention bumps and pivot bumps securing the lid in place when the container is closed. The rolled edge of the lid pivots about and slides along the pivot bumps when the container is in an open position to create an opening for accessing contents of the container.

Abstract: A container apparatus and a method for using the container apparatus is disclosed. The disclosed apparatus can be implemented in a wide variety of ways, including but not limited to that of a food or beverage container. The container apparatus can include a lid and a body that are integral to each other.

Abstract: A package comprises a latch including first and second legs and an actuating portion. The first and second legs are joined at an angle. The actuator portion of the first leg is positioned to be displaced generally laterally to displace the second leg generally longitudinally to release the latch. In another embodiment the package has base wells on the inside surface. A generally flat marginal sealing surface encircles the first and second base wells. The wells of the base and/or lid are covered with a cover sheet to close them. Still another embodiment is a child-resistant container comprising a shell, two drawers, a stop, and a latch. The drawers are prevented from sliding apart past a limit of travel when one drawer is open sufficiently to provide access to its contents and the other drawer is not.

Abstract: A hinged container is disclosed, including a base, a lid, and a hinge joining the base and lid, allowing the lid to pivot open or closed relative to the base. One of the base and the lid has a circular, outwardly tapered outer seal member disposed at least partially within its outer perimeter. The other of the base and the lid has a circular, inwardly-tapered inner seal member disposed at least partially within its outer perimeter. The inner and outer seal members are positioned to engage concentrically to wedge the inwardly and outwardly tapered surfaces together and form a seal when the base and the lid are closed, and to disengage concentrically to part the inwardly and outwardly tapered surfaces when the base and the lid are opened.

Abstract: The present invention is a compartmentalized portable container and body wash wipes, which allows the user to substitute the traditional showering or bathing cycle with a series of body wipes. These body wipes are carried in a slender container, which allows the present invention to be a very portable device. The series of wipes include a number of pre-wash wipes, soap wipes, moisturizing wipes, and deodorizing wipes. Once the user finishes the series of wipes, the user throws the wipes away. The container stores and separate each kind of wipe in their own compartment. The dispensing mechanisms on the container allows the user to take only one of each kind of wipe at a time. The present invention can also be cleaned out with warm soapy water or alcohol once the supply of body wipes has been exhausted, which provides a replacement pack of body wipes with a clean container.

Abstract: A water dispenser is fluidly connectable to a water source. The water dispenser includes a water tank; a faucet fluidly connected to the water tank and configured to generate an activation signal after being activated; a valve fluidly connectable to the water source and fluidly connected to the water tank; a first float switch movably disposed in the water tank and configured to generate an open signal after moving away from a predetermined position; and a controller operatively connected to the faucet and the first float switch. The controller is configured to open the valve to refill the water tank with water from the water source after the controller receives both the activation signal from the faucet and the open signal from the first float switch. A method of operating the water dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device 1 for dispensing bulk candy. The device 1 comprises a container 3 which at one end 5 of the container 3 has a dispensing opening 14 through which candy/sweets can leave the container 3. The container 3 has an inside that is provided with at least one guide for the candy/the sweets. The guide or guides 17, 18, 19, 27 is/are arranged to guide sweets in a direction towards the dispensing opening when the container 3 rotates about its longitudinal axis. The container 3 is inclined in relation to the horizontal plane by an angle that may be in the range of 10°-25°. The guide or guides is/are arranged in the container 3 in such a way that sweets are guided in a direction towards the dispensing opening 14 when the container 3 rotates about its longitudinal axis but remains at rest when the container is at a standstill.

Abstract: A fluid mixing and delivery system comprises a mixing chamber; a first supply line for supplying a first fluid component to the mixing chamber via a first CFValve and a downstream first metering orifice; a second supply line for supplying a second fluid component to the mixing chamber via a second CFValve and a downstream second metering orifice, with the first and second fluid components being combined in the mixing chamber to produce a fluid mixture; and a discharge line leading from the mixing chamber and through which the fluid mixture is delivered to a dispensing valve.

Abstract: A dispensing actuator for use on a container having pressurized contents is configured for convenient one-handed manipulation and use by consumers. The dispensing actuator includes a hingedly moveable flip-open lid, and a laterally moveable opening element, which can be manipulated so that the opening element cooperates with the lid to move the lid from a closed position to an opened position. The present dispensing actuator further includes an inner, downwardly deflectable actuating element, operatively connected with a dispensing valve of the associated container. Resilient, downward deflection of the actuating element, after opening of the dispensing actuator lid, permits the contents of the container to be conveniently dispensed. In one embodiment, the contents of the container are dispensed generally laterally of the dispensing actuator, while in alternate embodiments, the container's contents are dispensed generally upwardly, through the actuating element of the dispensing actuator.

Abstract: A hydration system includes first and second opposing flexible walls that form a bladder having a sealable compartment for containing a liquid. The system includes a drinking tube having a first end with a valve and a second end. A first port is configured to receive pressurizing gasses into the compartment. A second port is configured to provide fluid communication between the compartment and the drinking tube. The third port allows liquid to be supplied into the compartment. A first baffle and a second baffle connect the opposing walls within the compartment. The first and second baffles are configured to oppose expansion of the bladder as the pressurizing gasses are introduced into the compartment. A space between the first and second baffles is accessible via the third port. The space is configured to receive and secure a thermal pack. The thermal pack is insertable and removable via the third port.

Abstract: Among other things, an apparatus for mixing and dispensing a bone cement mixture are provided. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a housing having a first chamber for containing an ampoule having a first bone cement component. The housing has a second chamber for containing a second bone cement component and the first and second chambers are in fluid communication. An ampoule breaking device is disposed within the first chamber and is configured to engage and break the ampoule for release of the first bone cement component. Disposed within the second chamber is an impeller that is configured to rotate such that the impeller mixes the first and second bone cement components together to form the bone cement mixture. Adjacent the impeller is a displacer that is configured to advance through the second chamber, receiving the impeller and dispensing the bone cement mixture.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a dispensing device. The dispensing device includes a container; a dispensing opening located at one end of the container; a plunger located inside the container; a push button associated with the plunger; and a drive mechanism configured to drive the plunger linearly inside the container from a first position towards the dispensing opening when the push button is pressed and to hold the plunger at a second position, wherein the second position is closer to the dispensing opening than the first position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle frame having D-ring latch and hinge assemblies coupled thereto. The D-ring latch and hinge assemblies include a latch and hinge sleeve, respectively. A tire carrier assembly is rotatably mounted to the D-ring hinge assembly, wherein the tire carrier assembly is repeatably moveable between raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A holster for a long gun such as a shotgun or rifle that provides a safe firearm support and allows for quick aiming and firing of the firearm. Generally, the gun holster includes a base portion for securing to the user, such as to the user's belt, and a support portion for supporting the gun. The support portion includes a bottom wall portion that extends forwardly from a lower edge of the base portion. Several embodiments are disclosed. In some embodiments, the base portion and support portion are integrally formed of a folded fairly flexible material, such as leather.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument support and storage apparatus for a vehicle driven by a human driver who occupies a driver's seat of the vehicle provides a frame having a plate configured for attachment to a selected vehicle. The frame has a plurality of docking station positions. A rotary bearing is attachable to the vehicle. An instrument support includes a support panel and an arm having an inner and outer end portions, the arm inner end portion being connected to the rotary bearing. The instrument support panel is affixed to the outer end portion of the support arm. An interlock of the instrument support with one docking station places the instrument support panel in front of the driver of the vehicle. An interlock of the instrument support with the other docking station places the instrument support in a position that is spaced away from (laterally, circumferentially and/or radially) first position.

Abstract: The present invention includes a surgical stapler having a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a cutting member having a cutting surface, wherein the cutting member is relatively movable with respect to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, one of the anvil and the staple cartridge defines a slot which is configured to receive at least a portion of the cutting member and guide the cutting member as it is moved relative to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In these embodiments, the slot can define a path having linear and/or curved portions. In various embodiments, the path can include a curved portion having a first portion that extends away from the shaft axis and a second portion that extends toward the axis. In one embodiment, the path can include a curved portion defined by an arc corresponding to an angle greater than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument including an actuator knob which can be moved from one side of the stapling instrument to another side in order to reposition the actuator knob without having to reposition the stapling instrument within a surgical site. A stapling instrument can include a pusher bar, a housing having a first side and a second side, and an actuator knob rotatably mounted to the pusher bar wherein the actuator knob can be configured to be rotated between a first position in which the actuator knob can be moved along the first side of the housing and a second position where the actuator knob can be moved along a second side of the housing. Alternatively, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise one or more actuator knobs which can be operably engaged and disengaged with a pusher bar in order to selectively utilize the actuator knobs.