Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for driving a needle to facilitate suturing, such as may be performed in a surgical anastomosis procedure. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a frame. First and second rollers are rotatably mounted parallel with each other in the frame and are configured to engage therebetween a shaft of a needle formed in a helical shape. The first and second rollers are configured to counter-rotate. The needle is revolvable eccentrically around the first roller responsive to counter-rotation of the first and second rollers. A drive mechanism is secured to the frame and is configured to move the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for driving a needle to facilitate suturing, such as may be performed in a surgical anastomosis procedure. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a frame. First and second rollers are rotatably mounted parallel with each other in the frame and are configured to engage therebetween a shaft of a needle formed in a helical shape. The first and second rollers are configured to counter-rotate. The needle is revolvable eccentrically around the first roller responsive to counter-rotation of the first and second rollers. A drive mechanism is secured to the frame and is configured to move the frame.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a cooking pot assembly includes a lid with a venting assembly. The venting assembly may include three different selectable modes, including a first mode for whistling venting, a second mode for non-whistling venting, and a third mode for non-venting. In some embodiments, the venting assembly is recessed into the lid. Also, the venting assembly may include a base portion that is secured within a recess portion of the lid to resist rotation, while a rotor of the venting assembly is mated with the base portion, but able to rotate relative to the base portion for use in selecting a venting mode.

Abstract: An applicator for providing HIFU therapy to a patient includes a HIFU transducer that is rotatably coupled to a frame. In one embodiment, the rotatable coupling is configured such that the HIFU transducer can be mechanically oriented to position a focal zone of the HIFU transducer at any desired location in a treatment volume radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the applicator while the HIFU transducer remains within a housing that is not more than a defined percentage (e.g., 50%) larger than the maximum diameter of the HIFU transducer. In one embodiment, the HIFU transducer is rotatably coupled to the frame with a ball and socket joint. In another embodiment, the HIFU transducer is rotatably coupled to the frame with an offset gimble assembly. A pair of linear actuators and drive shafts engage the HIFU transducer to orient HIFU transducer in a desired direction.

Abstract: An applicator for providing HIFU therapy to a patient includes a HIFU transducer that is rotatably coupled to a frame. In one embodiment, the rotatable coupling is configured such that the HIFU transducer can be mechanically oriented to position a focal zone of the HIFU transducer at any desired location in a treatment volume radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the applicator while the HIFU transducer remains within a housing that is not more than a defined percentage (e.g., 50%) larger than the maximum diameter of the HIFU transducer. In one embodiment, the HIFU transducer is rotatably coupled to the frame with a ball and socket joint. In another embodiment, the HIFU transducer is rotatably coupled to the frame with an offset gimble assembly. A pair of linear actuators and drive shafts engage the HIFU transducer to orient HIFU transducer in a desired direction.