Abstract: A surgical system that may include a remotely controlled surgical instrument. The surgical instrument may be coupled to a tool driver that can spin and actuate the instrument. The instrument may include an actuator rod that is coupled to an end effector and detachably connected to a push rod. The push rod can move relative to the handle to actuate the end effector. The end effector may include a fixture that conforms to the shape of a needle. The handle can be secured to the tool driver by inserting pins into corresponding slots that are located on both the instrument and the tool driver. The instrument can be controlled by an operator through a pair of handles. Each handle may be mechanically balanced by a counterweight. The surgical system may also include a touchpad that allows the operator to enter parameters of the system.

Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive cardiac procedures. The system includes a pair of surgical instruments that are coupled to a pair of robotic arms. The instruments have end effectors that can be manipulated to hold and suture tissue. The robotic arms are coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the end effectors. The movement of the handles is scaled so that the end effectors have a corresponding movement that is different, typically smaller, than the movement performed by the hands of the surgeon. The scale factor is adjustable so that the surgeon can control the resolution of the end effector movement. The movement of the end effector can be controlled by an input button, so that the end effector only moves when the button is depressed by the surgeon.

Abstract: The present invention is a motorcycle suspension fork that combines a presently available conventional suspension with a presently available inverted suspension. The suspension of the present invention has two telescoping segments, with each segment capable of moving independently from the other. This design allows one segment to compress to absorb a shock while allowing the other segment to expand in preparation of absorbing another shock, thus allowing better shock absorption and a more comfortable ride.

Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive cardiac procedures. The system includes a pair of surgical instruments that are coupled to a pair of robotic arms. The instruments have end effectors that can be manipulated to hold and suture tissue. The robotic arms are coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the end effectors. The movement of the handles is scaled so that the end effectors have a corresponding movement that is different, typically smaller, than the movement performed by the hands of the surgeon. The scale factor is adjustable so that the surgeon can control the resolution of the end effector movement. The movement of the end effector can be controlled by an input button, so that the end effector only moves when the button is depressed by the surgeon.

Abstract: A novel, bipolar, electrosurgical instrument is provided with one metal and one ceramic end effector. Current is passed through the metal end effector and through an insulated conduit to the distal tip of the ceramic end effector. A connection at the distal tip of the ceramic end effector allows the current to return along exposed conductive strip which is spaced apart from the metal end effector in cutting action by a gap of approximately 0.020 inches when the ceramic and metal blade supports are brought into contact with tissue, a current flows from the exposed metal strip on the ceramic blade through to the metal blade thereby effecting cauterization, preferably slightly in advance or at the point of cutting between the ceramic and metal blades.

Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive cardiac procedures. The system includes a pair of surgical instruments that are coupled to a pair of robotic arms. The instruments have end effectors that can be manipulated to hold and suture tissue. The robotic arms are coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the end effectors. The movement of the handles is scaled so that the end effectors have a corresponding movement that is different, typically smaller, than the movement performed by the hands of the surgeon. The scale factor is adjustable so that the surgeon can control the resolution of the end effector movement. The movement of the end effector can be controlled by an input button, so that the end effector only moves when the button is depressed by the surgeon.

Abstract: A controller for an intracorporeal knot tying device including a hollow handle housing and a slider operator captured in the handle for linear motion between proximal and distal positions. The slider attaches to an elongated, tubular member formed of a shape memory material for carrying a suture thread through an internal passage and a bight formed in the tube. An outer sheath extends from the handle and supports the remaining length of the tube. When a knot is to be formed, a free end of the suture is pulled through tubular member by means of an introducer. A physician advances the operator to displace the distal end of the tubular member to form the bight. Subsequently, the physician retracts the operator to a proximal position to straighten the bight and throw off a knot in the suture thread for subsequent tightening. The operator includes means for grasping the suture.

Abstract: A method and device for intracorporeal knot tying. The device comprises an elongated, tubular member formed of a shape memory material for carrying a suture thread through an internal passage. A distal end of the tube is formed with a bight. An outer sheath supports the remaining length of the tube. When a knot is to be formed, a free end of the suture is pulled through the preformed bight. The tube and sheath then move relative to each other to straighten the bight and throw off a knot in the suture thread for subsequent tightening.

Abstract: A portable feed mill system consists of a housing containing a primary constituent tank, a first feed processor positioned to receive output from the primary constituent tank and a second feed processor. The second feed processor is positioned to receive the output from the first feed processor and an optional secondary feed constituent from either an integral or an external secondary feed constituent tank. Because the system is contained in a single housing, it may be remotely manufactured and transported to its final location at a cost far less than the cost of a conventional feed mill.

Abstract: A portable feed mill system consists of a housing containing a primary constituent tank, a mill positioned to receive output from the primary constituent tank and a mixer. The mixer is positioned to receive the output from the mill and also a secondary feed constituent tank. Because the system is contained in a single housing, it may be remotely manufactured and transported to its final location at a cost far less than the cost of a conventional feed mill.

Abstract: A biological forceps device is disclosed for the taking of tissue samples from a body. The biopsy forceps device comprises a flexible main coil having a distal end which is stiffer than the majority of the coil, a pair of opposed jaws hingedly disposed on the distal end of the coil, and an actuator having a distal end coupled to the hingedly disposed jaws for effecting articulation of the jaws. Preferably, shrink wrap tubing is placed on the distal end of the coil and acts as the stiffening agent thereof. A stiffer distal end permits the practitioner to press the jaws deeper into the tissue and reduces the jump experienced at the distal end when the coils go from a state of tension (jaws open) to a state of compression (jaws closed), so that a better sample can be obtained.