Abstract: A borescope includes an inspection tube with the following features. The inspection tube includes an actuable portion nearer a distal of the inspection tube than a proximal end of the tube. Actuatable drive cables extend a length of the inspection tube. The actuable drive cables are attached to a distal end of the inspection tube and are arranged to transfer motion to the actuable portion. A force sensor is coupled to each of the actuable drive cables. An inspection head is attached to the distal end of the inspection tube. The control unit is configured to receive a signal from the force sensor. The signal is indicative of stress within the actuable drive cables. The controller is configured to actuate the actuable drive cables to provide slack in response to the signal indicating stress within the actuable drive cables exceeding a specified threshold.

Abstract: An inspection tube for non-destructive inspection including at least one variable stiffness section extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end of the inspection tube, at least one stiff section, and a tensioning element. The at least one variable stiffness section can include a first end, a second end, and a plurality of serially-arranged linkages provided within the at least one variable stiffness section. The serially-arranged linkages can include a distal linkage provided at the second end. The at least one stiff section can be configured to couple to the first end or the second end of the at least one variable stiffness section. The tensioning element can include a first end coupled to the distal linkage and a second end extending through the serially-arranged linkages, and out of the proximal end of the inspection tube.

Abstract: A non-destructive testing device includes a tubular housing including a proximal end and a distal end. A conduit section is arranged at the proximal end, and a bendable articulation section secured to the conduit section and arranged at the distal end. A plurality of actuation systems each includes a control cable extending along the tubular housing and arranged at a respective circumferential position within the bendable articulation section, and an actuator disposed at the proximal end of the tubular housing and secured to the control cable.

Abstract: A method includes transmitting an instruction to a motive power supply of an elastically deformable device to drive the elastically deformable device in accordance with a drive setting; measuring a force exerted on the elastically deformable device with a sensor; outputting an observed value representative of the force; comparing the observed value with a reference value corresponding with a predetermined force to be exerted on the elastically deformable device; and adjusting the drive setting based on a determination that the observed value is outside of a predetermined range of the reference value. The method prevents slack in the elastically deformable device over time. Related apparatuses, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A system for mounting an inspection device to a case are provided. The system can include a case including a mounting base configured on a side of the case. The system can also include an adjustable stand removably coupled to the case via the mounting base. The adjustable stand can include a receiving portion removably coupled to the mounting base. The adjustable stand can also include a telescopic structure. The telescopic structure can have a plurality of segments. At least one segment can extend longitudinally from a second segment via at least one adjustment mechanism configured on the second segment. The adjustable stand can also include a device holder removably coupled to the second end of the telescopic structure. The device holder can be configured to removably couple with an inspection device. Apparatus and methods of mounting an inspection device to a case are also provided.

Abstract: A system for mounting an inspection device to a case are provided. The system can include a case including a mounting base configured on a side of the case. The system can also include an adjustable stand removably coupled to the case via the mounting base. The adjustable stand can include a receiving portion removably coupled to the mounting base. The adjustable stand can also include a telescopic structure. The telescopic structure can have a plurality of segments. At least one segment can extend longitudinally from a second segment via at least one adjustment mechanism configured on the second segment. The adjustable stand can also include a device holder removably coupled to the second end of the telescopic structure. The device holder can be configured to removably couple with an inspection device. Apparatus and methods of mounting an inspection device to a case are also provided.

Abstract: A non-destructive testing device includes a tubular housing including a proximal end and a distal end. A conduit section is arranged at the proximal end, and a bendable articulation section secured to the conduit section and arranged at the distal end. A plurality of actuation systems each includes a control cable extending along the tubular housing and arranged at a respective circumferential position within the bendable articulation section, and an actuator disposed at the proximal end of the tubular housing and secured to the control cable.

Abstract: A non-destructive testing device includes a tubular housing including a proximal end and a distal end. A conduit section is arranged at the proximal end, and a bendable articulation section secured to the conduit section and arranged at the distal end. A plurality of actuation systems each includes a control cable extending along the tubular housing and arranged at a respective circumferential position within the bendable articulation section, and an actuator disposed at the proximal end of the tubular housing and secured to the control cable.

Abstract: A non-destructive testing device includes a tubular housing including a proximal end and a distal end. A conduit section is arranged at the proximal end, and a bendable articulation section secured to the conduit section and arranged at the distal end. A plurality of actuation systems each includes a control cable extending along the tubular housing and arranged at a respective circumferential position within the bendable articulation section, and an actuator disposed at the proximal end of the tubular housing and secured to the control cable.

Abstract: A method includes transmitting an instruction to a motive power supply of an elastically deformable device to drive the elastically deformable device in accordance with a drive setting; measuring a force exerted on the elastically deformable device with a sensor; outputting an observed value representative of the force; comparing the observed value with a reference value corresponding with a predetermined force to be exerted on the elastically deformable device; and adjusting the drive setting based on a determination that the observed value is outside of a predetermined range of the reference value. The method prevents slack in the elastically deformable device over time. Related apparatuses, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes an outer cannula having a distal end portion, the distal end portion comprising a sharp bevel facilitating insertion of the needle assembly into a subject. The needle assembly further includes an inner cannula slidably disposed coaxially in the lumen of the outer cannula and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the inner cannula having a blunt distal end portion extending beyond the sharp bevel of the outer cannula whenever the inner cannula is in the extended position. The needle assembly further includes a bias coupled to the inner cannula in a manner favoring automatic positioning of the inner cannula at the extended position. The needle assembly includes a valve located in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula to allow fluid to exit the subject through the inner cannula, and to prevent ingress of fluid into the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for treating tension pneumothorax. A needle assembly may include an outer cannula defining a lumen and having a distal end portion with a sharp bevel, and an inner cannula slidably-disposed through the lumen of the outer cannula. The inner cannula moves between an extended and retracted position and includes a blunt distal end portion configured to extend beyond the sharp bevel of the outer cannula when the inner cannula is in the extended position. The blunt distal end portion can retract within the lumen of the outer cannula when the inner cannula is in the retracted position, thereby exposing the sharp bevel. The needle assembly further includes a bias disposed inside the housing and coupled to the inner cannula. A proximal end portion of the inner cannula is configured to extend through the housing when the inner cannula is in the retracted position.

Abstract: An odour free toilet system comprises a vent head having an inlet which is magnetically attached to a toilet bowl. The inlet is positioned under a toilet seat and a toilet lid in between a pair of mounting assemblies for mounting the toilet seat and the toilet lid. The vent head is positioned behind the toilet seat and the toilet lid. The vent head having the inlet is out of the way of the toilet seat and the toilet lid in any position of the toilet seat and the toilet lid. The odour free toilet system further comprises an outlet fitting in the rear part of the top surface of the toilet bowl with the vent head covering the outlet fitting. A suction fan and plumbing provides air suction to the outlet fitting thereby providing air suction to the inlet close to the source of toilet odours.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided that facilitate reducing wear of threads of a camera head of an imaging system (e.g., a borescope), thereby increasing the lifespan of an imaging system. In some embodiments, an imaging system is provided that includes a camera head made of anodized TiAl6V4 and coated with a solid film lubricant. The imaging system can also include a probe tip made of 303 stainless steel and coated with a diamond-line carbon coating. By using a camera head made of anodized TiAl6V4 and coated with a SFL in combination with a probe tip made of 303 SS and coated with a DLC, wear on threads of the camera head can be reduced, thereby increasing the lifespan of the imaging system.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes an outer cannula having a distal end portion, the distal end portion comprising a sharp bevel facilitating insertion of the needle assembly into a subject. The needle assembly further includes an inner cannula slidably disposed coaxially in the lumen of the outer cannula and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the inner cannula having a blunt distal end portion extending beyond the sharp bevel of the outer cannula whenever the inner cannula is in the extended position. The needle assembly further includes a bias coupled to the inner cannula in a manner favoring automatic positioning of the inner cannula at the extended position. The needle assembly includes a valve located in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula to allow fluid to exit the subject through the inner cannula, and to prevent ingress of fluid into the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for treating tension pneumothorax. A needle assembly may include an outer cannula defining a lumen and having a distal end portion with a sharp bevel, and an inner cannula slidably-disposed through the lumen of the outer cannula. The inner cannula moves between an extended and retracted position and includes a blunt distal end portion configured to extend beyond the sharp bevel of the outer cannula when the inner cannula is in the extended position. The blunt distal end portion can retract within the lumen of the outer cannula when the inner cannula is in the retracted position, thereby exposing the sharp bevel. The needle assembly further includes a bias disposed inside the housing and coupled to the inner cannula. A proximal end portion of the inner cannula is configured to extend through the housing when the inner cannula is in the retracted position.

Abstract: This disclosure describes markers that can identify patients at risk of developing castration-resistant prostate cancer. The markers, and analyses that use the markers, can be used by health professionals to guide treatment decisions by, for example, helping to evaluate the likelihood that a patient will respond to or develop resistance to prostate cancer therapies targeted to the androgen receptor. Thus, in some cases, methods described herein may be used to identify subjects under treatment for prostate cancer as at risk for developing castration-resistant prostate cancer. Such an evaluation may indicate that a change in prescribed therapy is appropriate. In some of these instances, the change may involve modifying the subject's treatment regimen to include administration of a pharmaceutical composition effective for treating castration-resistant prostate cancer before resistance to androgen receptor-based treatments develops.