Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for robotically assisted implantation of an implant in a patient. A system includes an external positioning unit configured to engage an elongate member of the implant, and a control console communicatively coupled to the external positioning unit. The control console may have a user interface that enables a user to input motion control instructions. The control console may generate a motion control signal, according to a specific motion control instruction, to control the external positioning unit to propel the implant into a target implant site. The system may be used to robotically control the delivery and positing of a cochlear implant during a hearing-preservation cochlear implant surgery.

Abstract: An optical fiber fusion-splicer that fusion-splices at least a pair of optical fibers that includes: a pair of electrode rod units each having a pointed end portion that faces each other and a pair of mounting bases that each support the electrode rod units. Abutting portions of the optical fibers are interposed between the pair of electrode rod units. Each of the electrode rod units includes: an electrode rod that fusion-splices the optical fibers by discharge heating and a main heat dissipation member that protrudes from an outer circumferential surface of the electrode rod. Each of the pair of mounting bases supports a position of the electrode rod units that is closer to a base end side than a pointed end portion of the electrode rod.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for robotically assisted implantation of an implant in a patient. A system includes an external positioning unit configured to engage an elongate member of the implant, and a control console communicatively coupled to the external positioning unit. The control console may have a user interface that enables a user to input motion control instructions. The control console may generate a motion control signal, according to a specific motion control instruction, to control the external positioning unit to propel the implant into a target implant site. The system may be used to robotically control the delivery and positing of a cochlear implant during a hearing-preservation cochlear implant surgery.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to devices, systems, and methods of shaping, shrinking, opening, dilating, stiffening, or otherwise modifying a Eustachian tube and its surrounding tissue in order to improve the Eustachian tube's function. For example, patients with blocked, closed, or hypertrophic Eustachian tubes may be able to achieve improved function including easier equalization of pressure between the inner ear and environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cured products of di- or poly-functional electron deficient olefins coated onto at least a portion of a surface of metal powders, such as metal powders used as appropriate in the formation of solder alloys, spheres and pastes.

Abstract: The present invention is a vitrification and gasification system that operates at elevated pressures. The system includes a processing chamber having numerous penetrations, and seals for effectively sealing the penetrations to the processing chamber.

Abstract: A wall in which there is formed at least one cooling channel, said wall being cooled by cool air flowing in the channel, the channel comprising a hole and a diffusion portion, the hole opening out at one end into the inside surface of the wall, and at its other end into the diffusion portion where it forms an orifice, the diffusion portion flaring around said orifice and opening out into the outside surface of the wall, the diffusion portion having a bottom whose front end is substantially plane, sloping, and extending in front of the orifice, and also having a margin extending behind, round the sides, and in front of the orifice, said margin joining the sides of the front end. A method and an electrode for making such a cooling channel. A turbomachine blade presenting such a wall.

Abstract: A self-shielding welding electrode and a method of making the same are provided. The self-shielding welding electrode contains lithium aluminate in either the flux or the electrode portion of the electrode.

Abstract: A welding wire electrode includes a metal sheath including a core and a core material contained within the core of the metal sheath. The core material includes particles of at least one metal alloying compound, wherein each of the particles has an outer surface, and wherein at least one layer of a metallic coating is deposited onto the outer surface of the particles to form a metallic coated particle.

Abstract: A fixing structure for a welding electrode and a welding head is shown which enable improvement of durability of a welding electrode, improvement of work efficiency in welding, and a reduction of time required for welding and also which make it possible to execute welding for an extended time with high reliability. In the fixing structure, a fixed section of a welding electrode is inserted via a thermally conductive material into an inserting section of a fixing base and a peripheral surface of the fixed section of the welding electrode is uniformly contacted to the fixing base to affix the welding electrode to the fixing base.

Abstract: An electrode assembly and welding system and method. An electrode assembly preferably includes an electrode mounting block, a weld electrode disposed in said mounting block with a first end extending therefrom for contact with a work piece or a projection weld nut, an insulating bushing separating the weld electrode from direct contact with the mounting block, and a contacting electrode floatingly installed into a receiving cavity located in a second end of the weld electrode, the contacting electrode provided for contact by a gun arm electrode of a weld gun. A system and method of the present invention makes use of cooperating electrode assemblies to weld projection weld nuts to a fixtured work piece. Welding current is transferred from the electrodes of a weld gun to the projection weld nut(s) and work piece via the contacting electrodes and weld electrodes of associated electrode assemblies.

Abstract: An electrode for a wire bonding apparatus is provided. The electrode includes a body portion and a tip portion adjacent the body portion. The tip portion has a substantially spherical configuration.

Abstract: An electrode for a wire bonding apparatus is provided. The electrode includes a body portion and a tip portion adjacent the body portion. The tip portion has a substantially spherical configuration.

Abstract: A straight rod form discharge electrode used in a wire bonding apparatus. The electrode core material is covered, except for its tip end, by an alumina film that has been subjected to a pore sealing treatment. The alumina film subjected to the pore sealing treatment is formed by a two-stage process. In the first-stage, an alumina film having a porous structure is formed on the surface of the electrode core material for the thickness of approximately 6 &mgr;m by plasma flame coating method or anodic oxidation method; and in the second-stage, the porous structure is subjected to a pore sealing treatment in which an alumina film is caused to adhere to the porous structure by laser PVD or a pore sealing treatment is performed with a resin.

Abstract: A straight rod form discharge electrode used in a wire bonding apparatus. The electrode core material is covered, except for its tip end, by an alumina film that has been subjected to a pore sealing treatment. The alumina film subjected to the pore sealing treatment is formed by a two-stage process. In the first-stage, an alumina film having a porous structure is formed on the surface of the electrode core material for the thickness of approximately 6 &mgr;m by plasma flame coating method or anodic oxidation method; and in the second-stage, the porous structure is subjected to a pore sealing treatment in which an alumina film is caused to adhere to the porous structure by laser PVD or a pore sealing treatment is performed with a resin.