Abstract: A medical system may include an input device for controlling a medical instrument. The input device may include a grasper for receiving user input and a sensor coupled to the grasper for generating sensor information related to a user presence at the grasper. The medical system may also include a processor and memory that stores instructions for receiving secondary information associated with the grasper and determining a user presence at the grasper based on the sensor information and the secondary information. A method for operating the medical system with the input device is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A construction kit enables building of complex structures. The kit can include pole connectors, along with a series of hubs. For instance, two-point hubs, four-point hubs, eight-point hubs, five-point hubs, six-point hubs, and a clip can be the constituent parts of the kit. Some of the hubs can be flexible to provide further utility and additional angles for building. Complex structures, such as a ball-shaped connector can also be achieved from the base components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic housing assembly which may have a housing body, a first capping structure; a second capping structure; a water-tight chamber defined by the first capping structure and the second capping structure; a ratcheting face; a magnet enclosed within the water-tight chamber; at least one ridge on the perimeter of the housing body, where the magnet can flip to reverse polarity within the water-tight chamber, where the ratcheting face is configured to allow adjustment of the assembly when connected with another structure also having a ratcheting face. Also disclosed is a system including a structure configured to house the plurality of magnetic housing assemblies while exposing a surface of the magnetic housing assemblies.

Abstract: A medical robotic system can include a secondary brake release to allow a user to more easily move the arms of the robotic system when the system is in a power-off or fault state. The robotic system can include a joint and a brake mechanism that can limit motion of the joint. The brake mechanism can include a braking material, a first electromagnetic assembly, and a user-commanded release mechanism. The first electromagnetic assembly can disengage the braking material from an engaged configuration to a disengaged configuration. Further, the user-commanded release mechanism can disengage the braking material from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration independent of the first electromagnetic assembly.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for an input device for controlling a robotic surgical tool. The input device can include a first pair of opposing links and a second pair of opposing links. The first pair of opposing links and second pair of opposing links can be arranged radially symmetrically. The input device can be configured to control operation of the robotic surgical tool.

Abstract: A pottery wheel with an improved throwing arm that pushes the clay towards the center of the spinning plate, in an arc shaped motion, defined by four directions of motion, with the throwing arm providing an inward force towards the direction of rotation and towards the axis of rotation, that also allows for micro-adjustments to be easily made, is disclosed. Various tool accessories can then be used to open the pottery and form the pottery. The embodiments of the present invention are suitable for use by children, individuals unskilled in the art of pottery, and individuals lacking fine motor skills due to the assistance provided by the features of present embodiments, including an improved throwing arm removably attached to the housing. Embodiments of the present invention also include numerous attachments designed to work in tandem with the improved pottery wheel and throwing arm assembly.

Abstract: A robotically enabled teleoperated system can include a controller and a robotic tool capable of manipulation by the controller. The controller can include a handle, a gimbal and a positioning platform. The handle can be configured for actuation by an operator to cause a corresponding manipulation of the robotic tool. The gimbal can include a joint and a load cell. The joint can be configured to be manipulated based on an impedance control, such that manipulation of the gimbal causes a corresponding manipulation of the robotic tool based on a displacement of the joint. A portion of the positioning platform can be configured to be manipulated based on an admittance control, such that manipulation of the positioning platform causes a corresponding manipulation of the robotic tool based on a force imparted on the controller and measured by the load cell.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting contact between a link and an external object are provided. In one aspect, there is provided a robotic system, including a manipulatable link, a rigid shell configured to overlay the manipulatable link, and one or more sensors positioned between the rigid shell and the manipulatable link. The one or more sensors are configured to detect contact between the rigid shell and an external object.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for an input device for controlling a robotic surgical tool. The input device can include a first pair of opposing links and a second pair of opposing links. The first pair of opposing links and second pair of opposing links can be arranged radially symmetrically. The input device can be configured to control operation of the robotic surgical tool.

Abstract: A robotically enabled teleoperated system can include a controller and an instrument capable of manipulation by the controller. The instrument can be a medical instrument. The controller can include a handle configured for actuation by an operator. The handle can be attached to a gimbal configured to allow manipulation of the handle in multiple rotational degrees of freedom. The gimbal can include a load cell. The gimbal can be configured for impedance control. The controller can also include a positioning platform coupled to the gimbal and configured to allow manipulation of the handle in multiple positional degrees of freedom. The controller can be configured for admittance control based at least in part on an output signal of the load cell in the gimbal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic housing assembly which may have a housing body, a first capping structure; a second capping structure; a water-tight chamber defined by the first capping structure and the second capping structure; a ratcheting face; a magnet enclosed within the water-tight chamber; at least one ridge on the perimeter of the housing body, where the magnet can flip to reverse polarity within the water-tight chamber, where the ratcheting face is configured to allow adjustment of the assembly when connected with another structure also having a ratcheting face. Also disclosed is a system including a structure configured to house the plurality of magnetic housing assemblies while exposing a surface of the magnetic housing assemblies.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system can include one or more adjustable arm supports that support one or more robotic arms. The adjustable arm supports and/or robotic arms can be configured to be deployed from low mount positions, for example, from positions below the surface of the table. The robotic arms can include a plurality of joints providing a plurality of degrees of freedom. The joints may be grouped into a proximal shoulder, an elbow, and a distal wrist. The robotic arms can include one or more redundant degrees of freedom. An insertion mechanism, associated with the robotic arm and configured for providing insertion of an instrument along an assertion axis, can be provided at a distal end of the robotic arms.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system can include one or more adjustable arm supports that support one or more robotic arms. The adjustable arm supports and/or robotic arms can be configured to be deployed from low mount positions, for example, from positions below the surface of the table. The robotic arms can include a plurality of joints providing a plurality of degrees of freedom. The joints may be grouped into a proximal shoulder, an elbow, and a distal wrist. The robotic arms can include one or more redundant degrees of freedom. An insertion mechanism, associated with the robotic arm and configured for providing insertion of an instrument along an assertion axis, can be provided at a distal end of the robotic arms.

Abstract: A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve, the delivery device comprising an inner shaft, a distal sheath disposed about a portion of the inner shaft and forming a compartment with the inner shaft, the compartment adapted to receive the valve, the inner shaft and the distal sheath being slidable relative to one another, and a handle including a frame, a deployment actuator, a lever, and a hub, each of the deployment actuator, the lever, and the hub being independently capable of opening and closing the compartment, a resheathing lock configured to alert a user of a position of the distal sheath relative to the inner shaft and to impede movement of the distal sheath relative to the frame, and an indicator disposed on the frame and capable of showing an extent of deployment of the valve.