Abstract: A system for performing a medical procedure comprises a robotic introducer assembly including: a base unit, the base unit including a proximal base portion and a base extension extending from the proximal base portion; and a probe assembly operably and removably coupled to the base unit. The probe assembly includes an articulating probe. The base unit is constructed and arranged to control a movement of the articulating probe. The system further comprises a sterile barrier system positioned over at least a portion of the robotic introducer assembly, the sterile barrier system providing isolation between any non-sterile portion of the robotic introducer assembly and the sterile field or any sterile operators (e.g. to prevent exposure of any non-sterile portion to the sterile field and/or sterile operators).

Abstract: A system for performing a medical procedure at a target location of a patient, including: an articulating probe including at least a distal portion; a feeder configured to advance, retract, and steer the articulating probe; a first introducer attached to the feeder and configured to slidingly receive the articulating probe; and a second introducer for providing access to an internal location of the patient. The first introducer operably attaches to the second introducer, such that the articulating probe can be advanced through the second introducer to the target location. The system further includes at least one sealing element configured to maintain insufflation pressure at the target location.

Abstract: A system for performing a medical procedure comprises a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly comprises an articulating probe assembly and a first housing. The articulating probe assembly comprises an outer probe and an inner probe. The outer probe comprises: multiple articulating outer links and a first connector. The inner probe comprises multiple articulating inner links and a second connector. The first housing comprises: a proximal portion; a distal portion; and an opening positioned in the first housing distal portion. The articulating probe is constructed and arranged to pass through the first housing opening.

Abstract: A system and method for an improved biological interface system that processes multicellular signals of a patient and controls one or more devices is disclosed. The system includes a sensor that detects the multicellular signals and a processing unit for producing the control signal based on the multicellular signals. The system may include improved communication, self-diagnostics, and surgical insertion tools.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for recording motion of a vehicle or a fixed structure with a self-contained motion recorder apparatus. The self-contained motion recorder apparatus is a sealed unit that contains a power source together with controller, sensor and recording devices. The controller device includes a power consumption manager that manages and conserves the overall power consumption of the apparatus. A sensor device is further included in operable communication with the controller device that produces signals that represent the motion of the vehicle or structure as a function of time. Additionally, a recording element is provided in operable communication with the controller for storing data that corresponds to the signals. A communication interface is further provided such that data may be read from the apparatus and commands and data may be written into the apparatus, from an external device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for recording motion of a vehicle or a fixed structure with a self-contained motion recorder apparatus. The self-contained motion recorder apparatus is a sealed unit that contains a power source together with controller, sensor and recording devices. The controller device includes a power consumption manager that manages and conserves the overall power consumption of the apparatus. A sensor device is further included in operable communication with the controller device that produces signals that represent the motion of the vehicle or structure as a function of time. Additionally, a recording element is provided in operable communication with the controller for storing data that corresponds to the signals. A communication interface is further provided such that data may be read from the apparatus and commands and data may be written into the apparatus, from an external device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for recording vehicle motion. The self-contained vehicle motion recorder apparatus is a sealed unit that contains at least a power source, and controller, sensor and recording devices. The controller device includes a power consumption manager that manages and conserves the overall power consumption of the apparatus. A sensor device is further included in operable communication with the controller device that produces signals that represent the vehicle's motion as a function of time. Additionally, a recording element is provided in operable communication with the controller for storing data that corresponds to the signals. A communication interface is further provided such that data may be read from the apparatus and commands and data may be written into the apparatus, from an external device.

Abstract: The method for mapping a mechanical property of a surface of a sample with a scanning force microscope comprises the steps of (a) scanning a fine tip in contact with the surface of the sample within a predetermined scan area, the fine tip being supported on an end of a cantilever beam, (b) applying a loading force on the surface of the sample by the fine tip, (c) using a constant frequency sine wave to oscillate the cantilever beam relative to the surface of the sample, (d) measuring a detector response of the fine tip at the end of the cantilever beam, (e) determining an amplitude of the detector response and a change in phase angle of the detector response relative to the sine wave used to oscillate the cantilever beam, and (f) relating the amplitude and the change in phase angle to a property of the surface of the sample. A feedback system is utilized which regulates the total force imposed by the fine tip onto the surface of the sample so that the amplitude of the detector response is maintained constant.