Abstract: A connector apparatus configured to connect to a connection port in order to transfer data and/or electrical power between two electronic devices or between an electronic device and an electrical outlet, the connector apparatus comprising: a first part configured to connect to the connection port by friction; two or more coupling portions which can engage or disengage when a force is applied to at least one of the coupling portions; and a retracting mechanism which pulls the two or more coupling portions towards each other when the coupling portions are separated by a separating force larger than a threshold force; wherein the first part remains connected to the connection port, while the two or more coupling portions engage or disengage when the force is applied and/or while the retracting mechanism pulls the two or more coupling portions towards each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems that result in high quality, reproducible, thermal melt analysis on a microfluidic platform. The present invention relates to methods and systems using thermal systems including heat spreading devices, including interconnection methods and materials developed to connect heat spreaders to microfluidic devices. The present invention also relates to methods and systems for controlling, measuring, and calibrating the thermal systems of the present invention.

Abstract: A method and system have been provided to perform high speed nucleic acid melting analysis while still obtaining accurate melting curve sufficient for genotyping. This rapid ability to interrogate DNA should be useful whenever time to result is important, such as in molecular point of care testing. Specifically, microfluidics enables genotyping by melting analysis at rates up to 50° C./s, requiring less than is to acquire an entire melting curve. High speed melting reduces the time for melting analysis, decreases errors, and improves genotype discrimination of small amplicons.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to medical imaging and, more particularly to systems, methods, and devices for planning and carrying out minimally invasive procedures using external devices for needle guidance and the display and manipulation of the image set when planning and performing the procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for cell lysis in a microfluidic device. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for rapid continuous flow pathogen cell lysis. In one embodiment, the microfluidic device comprises a microfluidic channel, a microporous structure within the channel, and an enzyme immobilized on the surface of the microporous structure configured to lyse pathogen cells in fluid flowing through the microfluidic channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for determining Copy Number Variations (CNVs) in a genomic test sample including target amplicons and a reference amplicons. Specifically, nucleic acid melting curves are generated for the test sample. A mathematical model is fitted to each of the nucleic acid melting curves to separate target and reference melting reactions within the measured nucleic acid melting curve. The fitting parameters of the mathematical model are calculated. A CNV of the test sample is determined based on the fitting parameters of the mathematical model corresponding to the target and reference melting reactions.

Abstract: An injection molding system includes an injection molding apparatus that performs injection molding, a first conveyor apparatus on one side of the injection molding apparatus to eject and insert a first mold through a first opening of the injection molding apparatus, and a second conveyor apparatus located on a second side of the injection molding apparatus to eject and insert a second mold through a second opening of the injection molding apparatus, where the improvement of the injection molding apparatus includes a first door to cover the first opening, a second door to cover the second opening, and a controller that prohibits injection molding with the first mold in a case where the second door is opened.

Abstract: A method for processing angiography image data by using an imaging catheter path that is directly detected from the angiography data as a co-registration path or using detected marker locations from the angiography data to generate a co-registration path. If the acquired angiography data includes synchronized cardiac phase signals and a predetermined quantity of angiography image frames not including contrast media, then a directly detected imaging catheter path is used as the co-registration path. Otherwise the co-registration path is determined based upon detected marker locations from the angiography image data.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided. Some embodiments include image guidance software comprising an algorithm for registering the virtual device model to the image space automatically, approximating the most likely configuration of the device on the skin surface before the actual device is placed on the patient. The virtual model of the device and its reachable area are overlaid on the planning image data, in order to visualize and quantify the reachability of the target.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for correcting distortion of a spectrally encoded endoscopy (“SEE”), more specifically, the subject disclosure provides a calibration tool calibrating a rotating spectrally encoded endoscope, which may be reused to recalibrate the endoscope throughout the lifecycle, and which may further act to protect the endoscope during packaging, shipping and handling.

Abstract: The present application relates to a flexible manipulator including at least one flexible member (bend) controlled by an input device in the form of a joystick. Specifically, to prevent the flexible manipulator inserted into a narrow space from contacting surrounding objects, the flexible manipulator according to the present invention is configured to maintain the shape when the operator releases the joystick. However, when the flexible manipulator is shaped to be at a target position and subsequently needs to be returned to the original shape, the operator manipulates the joystick using complicated and time consuming manipulation techniques. A control device in communication with the flexible manipulator is configured to allow the operator to select an input method for maintaining the shape of the flexible manipulator after the joystick is released. In addition, an input method for returning the flexible manipulator to the original shape may be selected.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating an image is provided and includes one or more processors, and one or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors configure the apparatus to perform operations including receiving an input image, determining whether an exposure value corresponding to an input image is to be evaluated based on information obtained by the input image, and evaluating the exposure value corresponding to the input image according to the determined result.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomographic (OCT) system includes a sample arm, a reference arm and an OCT probe. The probe irradiates a bodily lumen and a fluid contained within the bodily lumen with light of a sample beam transmitted through a double-clad fiber (DCF). A first detector detects light of a reference beam and light reflected from the bodily lumen and propagated through the core of the DCF to generate OCT interference signals. Light backscattered by the bodily lumen and by the fluid contained in the bodily lumen is propagated through a cladding of the DCF and detected by a second detector to generate an intensity signal. A processor analyzes the intensity signal, and triggers a pullback of the probe and initiates recording of OCT images of the bodily lumen in response to the intensity the backscattered light reaching a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: Endoscope window assembly designs and methods of assembling sub-millimeter imaging endoscopes are disclosed. An endoscope apparatus comprises an elongated cylindrical probe having rotating illumination optics in the middle and at least one detection fiber and a spectrometer connected to the detection fiber and a light source connected to the illumination optics and a processor for imaging. An optically transparent window is attached to the cylindrical probe at the distal end thereof, the window seals the rotating illumination optics inside the cylindrical probe, and the at least one detection fiber is located on the outer surface of the cylindrical probe. The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a window component that covers only the illumination component of the optical probe.

Abstract: A runner for supplying resin to a cavity includes a sprue that is supplied resin from a nozzle of an injection molding machine, a first path formed in the runner, where the resin flows in the first path from the nozzle when the nozzle connects to the sprue, a first pin that moves to a first position to increase the size of the first path before the resin is supplied to the first path and moves to a second position to decrease the size of the first path before the nozzle separates from the sprue.

Abstract: One or more devices, systems, methods and storage mediums for characterizing, examining and/or diagnosing, and/or measuring viscosity of, a sample or object are provided herein. Such information may be obtained in application(s) using a system that includes a rotary junction, an elongated extender or at least one repeater attached to the rotary junction and a rotatable probe attached to the elongated extender and/or the at least one repeater. Examples of such applications include imaging, evaluating and diagnosing biological objects, such as, but not limited to, for Gastro-intestinal, cardio and/or ophthalmic applications, and being obtained via one or more optical instruments. The extenders and/or repeaters may be used with one or more forms of imaging, such as, but not limited to, Spectrally Encoded Endoscopy (“SEE”) and Optical Coherence Tomography (“OCT”).

Abstract: There is provided a medical support device for holding and positioning a needle. This device is particularly useful for positioning needles in a less invasive puncture treatment. This device comprises two rotational elements and at least one needle guide attached to a rotational element and. The needle guide guides the direction of insertion of a needle-like instrument and includes a guide portion that guides a needle or other needle-like instrument where the puncture point of the needle in a first position is different from the puncture point when the needle guide guides the needle in a second position.

Abstract: Medical guidance device capable of improving precision and accuracy of medical surgery by ensuring accurate and consistent placement of the medical guidance device, as well as communication with surgery planning software and/or three-dimensional spatial software to determine insertion of the needle into the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sample-to-answer systems, devices, cartridges, and method of using the same for detecting the presence of microorganisms in a sample, such as bacteria.

Abstract: An endoscopic probe extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof, and configured to be inserted in a tubular lumen to observe a sample is disclosed. The probe includes a first waveguide enclosed within an inner sheath and extending from the proximal end to the distal end along an axis of the inner sheath; and a plurality of second waveguides having at least the distal ends thereof arranged in one or more rings around the inner sheath to surround the distal end of the first waveguide. At the distal end, the axis of each of the second waveguides is tilted with respect to the axis of the first waveguide by a tilt angle which can be adjustable. This novel endoscopic probe has a resultant numerical aperture larger than the numerical aperture of each of the second waveguides, and it may be applicable to forward-viewing spectrally encoded endoscopes (SEE).