Abstract: Systems and methods for minimally invasive procedures include a computer-assisted system comprising a manipulator assembly configured to couple to a cannula and a controller coupled to the manipulator assembly. The cannula has a lumen configured to receive a shaft of an instrument. The controller is configured to position a remote center of motion for the manipulator assembly at a first location relative to the cannula, and in response to an indication to reposition the remote center of motion relative to the cannula, reposition the remote center of motion to a second location relative to the cannula while constraining the second location to be located along the cannula. The second location is different from the first location.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a display, a facial interface, and a connector between the display and the facial interface. The facial interface can at least translate or rotate relative to the display via the connector.

Abstract: A method and assembly for sealing articles incorporates a continuously moving transfer mechanism which receives the articles from an intermittent feed and feeds them to an intermittent sealing mechanism. The intermittent sealing mechanism uses an elongate sealing member or heater plate which extends over a substantial portion of the sealing mechanism. The sealing member has a plurality of separate heaters functionally associated with the plate to apply heat to the articles at a plurality of stations during dwell times while the articles move through the sealing mechanism. The sealing member or heater plate reciprocates into and out of contact with the articles during the dwell periods by a cam to effect simultaneous sealing action at the plurality of stations.

Abstract: An article feeding and stacking mechanism for receiving a series of articles from a conveyor and then collating the articles for subsequent cartoning or other disposition. A first indexing or collating wheel lifts the articles from the delivery end of the conveyor and stacks or deposits one or more of the articles on an intermediate support. The articles are then lifted by a second indexing or collating wheel and deposited or stacked in predetermined arrangement on a table for subsequent handling. A pair of control guide wheels are positioned above the collating wheels for restraining or limiting unwanted movement of the articles as they are being handled by the collating wheels. The collating wheels have cut-out or recessed portions at that portion of their support surfaces which would normally engage the edge of the articles, whereby the edges of the articles are not damaged by excessive pressure against the collating wheel support surfaces.

Abstract: The method provides a loose wrap on an article. A sheet of thin, flexible wrapping material is positioned around the article. A projecting flexible excess portion is formed as an outwardly projecting bubble in the wrapping material that is positioned around the article. The wrapping material is then sealed around the article while the bubble portion is maintained in the wrapping material. The apparatus comprises various mechanisms for effecting the method steps. The assembly is particularly useful in a wrapping machine. The combination used in conjunction with a wrapping machine includes a pocket mechanism for holding the article having the thin, flexible material wrapped therearound. The projecting bubble portion is formed by an assembly disposed adjacent the pocket mechanism. The pocket mechanism includes a side wall member having an indentation to receive the projecting bubble portion formed in the wrapping material.

Abstract: A longitudinally, self-adjustable linking element is used to form a conveyor assembly for moving an article along a path. The linking element has two end sections, bearings mounted at each end section, and coupling elements for connecting the end sections with respect to each other. The coupling elements are fixedly secured to one of the end sections and shiftingly secured to the other end section. A closed loop conveying apparatus includes the longitudinally self adjustable linking element and rail guide members extend along the length of the conveying apparatus. Sprocket mechanisms are disposed at fixed spaced locations for changing the direction of movement of the conveying apparatus along the path.

Abstract: A cutting mechanism including a backing roller having a longitudinal axis of rotation and a rotatably mounted cutting member having a cutting edge and a longitudinal axis of rotation disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller member. The backing roller is freely rotatably mounted about its axis of rotation. Thus, the cutting member cuts at different locations along the circumferential surface of the backing roller each time. The backing roller is resiliently mounted to float in a direction transverse to a plane extending vertically through its axis of rotation. The roller is mounted on a carrier body that is laterally movable to effect movement of the roller in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller. Unique timing belt and gear drive mechanisms are used to effect driving of the draw rollers and cutting devices. A particular guide mechanism is used to direct the tear strip from a supply to the point where it is superimposed on a web of wrapping material.

Abstract: A cutting mechanism includes a removably mounted backing roller having a longitudinal axis of rotation and a rotatably mounted cutting member having a cutting edge and a longitudinal axis of rotation disposed parallel to the axis of rotation for the roller member. The roller member rotates in a fixed relationship with respect to the cutting member so that the cutting edge operates at substantially the same surface location of the circumferential surface of the backing roller to cut film thereagainst upon each revolution of the cutting member. The roller member is mounted to resiliently float in a direction transverse to a plane extending through the axis of rotation for the cutting member. The drive of the rotating elements is effected through the use of a timing belt operating from the main drive of the machine on which the cutting mechanism is mounted.

Abstract: The apparatus for transporting an article includes a conveyor and a means for driving the conveyor synchronously and intermittently at least two driving positions along a path having a plurality of work stations. The apparatus will intermittently move the article from one work station to another with the conveyor being substantially completely driven without any drive function being associated therewith. A further feature of the invention includes the vertical adjustment of the transporting mechanism with respect to a moving package to be wrapped in conjunction with a wrapping machine. Another feature is directed to the specific sprocket construction used in a closed loop means. The flat turret transporting mechanism includes a plurality of pockets for receiving packages to be wrapped between an input and an output work station.

Abstract: A method and assembly for providing a continuous supply of articles incorporate the use of an auxiliary supply operating together with a primary or main supply of articles. The main supply of articles is disposed in a stack over an article introducing position. First conveying means moves articles from the article introducing position to a subsequent working station. Second conveying means moves articles into the article introducing position immediately behind said first conveying means to insert an article beneath the stack while maintaining the total number of articles in said stack. That is, the bottommost article in the stack is simply replaced without depleting any of the articles in the stack disposed within the primary or main supply of articles.

Abstract: The closure mechanism includes means for tucking the trailing edge of a cover sheet beneath the trailing rim portion of a container at the opposed side rim portions of the container. A further mechanism is used to fold the remaining portion of the trailing edge of the cover sheet around the trailing rim portion of the container. A specific embodiment of the invention includes the use of two separate tucking elements laterally displaced with respect to each ther and a single folding element disposed therebetween. Means are provided to reciprocate the tucking and folding elements between a resting and working position.

Abstract: The conveyor assembly is used in conjunction with the packaging machine for moving articles to an article receiving station. The assembly comprises a means for moving at least one article along the path to receiving means located at an article receiving station. The moving means includes a conveyor means, stabilizing means and pushing means. The stabilizing means and pushing means are disposed on the conveyor means to travel in a forward direction for effecting controlled movement of the article along the path. The pushing means is effective to engage the following side of the article for moving the article into the receiving station. The stabilizing means is effective to engage opposing sides of the article for maintaining a predetermined alignment of the article while the article is moved into the receiving station. Other features of the invention are directed to the particular shape of the stabilizing means and its location with respect to the pushing means.