Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. These tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. The tool may also include other features. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. In some embodiments these tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator. The tool may also include other features. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body, and improved methods of assembling the tools. In some embodiments these tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. The articulation mechanisms comprise pairs of links, one link distal and the other proximal, configured such that movement of a proximal link is transferred to the distal link by way of tension bearing members. Embodiments of the invention include a guide for such tension bearing members that facilitates assembly of the tool. Embodiments also include improved methods for attaching tension bearing members to the links.

Abstract: The invention provides an articulating mechanism useful, for example, for remote manipulation of various surgical instruments and diagnostic tools within, or to, regions of the body. Movement of segments at the proximal end of the mechanism results in a corresponding, relative movement of segments at the distal end of the mechanism. The proximal and distal segments are connected by a set of cables in such a fashion that each proximal segment forms a discrete pair with a distal segment. This configuration allows each segment pair to move independently of one another and also permits the articulating mechanism to undergo complex movements and adopt complex configurations. The articulating mechanisms may also be combined in such a way to remotely mimic finger movements for manipulation of an object or body tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. These tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. A rotation lock provides for enablement and disablement of rotatability of the end effector. The tool may also include other features. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator.

Abstract: An optical subassembly utilizes a core with a first, second, and third faces. The first and second faces are coupled, non-parallel, and non-co-planar for changing a path of a beam, and their intersection defines an axis. Filters are coupled to the third face. The light path traverses between the first or second face and each filter such that, at each filter, no portion of the light path interferes with any other portion of the light path. The light path also traverses the core in a direction along the axis. This is facilitated by the light path traversing an external surface of a filter at an angle. The device includes adjustable ports residing at the same side of the device. Filters are coupled to the core and optically coupled to the adjustable ports. The light path travels down the core and exit or enter the device via the adjustable ports.

Abstract: An optical subassembly utilizes a core with a first, second, and third faces. The first and second faces are coupled, non-parallel, and non-co-planar for changing a path of a beam, and their intersection defines an axis. Filters are coupled to the third face. The light path traverses between the first or second face and each filter such that, at each filter, no portion of the light path interferes with any other portion of the light path. The light path also traverses the core in a direction along the axis. This is facilitated by the light path traversing an external surface of a filter at an angle. The device includes adjustable ports residing at the same side of the device. Filters are coupled to the core and optically coupled to the adjustable ports. The light path travels down the core and exit or enter the device via the adjustable ports.

Abstract: The present invention provides a harness for retrofitting optical subassemblies in an optical assembly housing. Each optical subassembly resides in a feature in the harness. The features of the harness constrain the optical subassemblies in the six possible degrees of freedom without requiring assistance from the housing. When residing with the housing, the harness is also constrained in the six possible degrees of freedom. When an optical subassembly is to be upgraded or replaced, a harness with different features may be used to facilitate the upgrade or replacement. In addition, the harness with different features may be used to change or add a characteristic of the assembled device without requiring significant changes to the optical assembly housing. The harness thus reduces the difficulties in adding or changing the assembly optical device, which may also reduce the costs of the addition or change.