Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and reusable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.

Abstract: A face mask including a base model of a mask body having a front side and a back side and defining an interior. The back side includes a face opening within which a portion of a user face including a nose and mouth can be inserted and encompassed. The face opening is defined by a perimeter and is modified to substantially correspond to contours of the user face based on scan of topographical facial features of the user face.

Abstract: An assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a synchronous machine including a rotating portion and a stationary portion, the rotating portion including at least one rotating diode coupled to a field winding, and the stationary portion including a stator winding and an exciter winding. A control unit includes a first gate and a second gate. The exciter winding is connected in series to the first gate and the second gate during a first operating mode to energize the exciter winding. The exciter winding is electrically connected in series to a first gate but is electrically disconnected from the second gate in a second, different operating mode to electrically disconnect the exciter winding from an exciter energy source. A method of operating a synchronous machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a synchronous machine including a rotating portion and a stationary portion, the rotating portion including at least one rotating diode coupled to a field winding, and the stationary portion including a stator winding and an exciter winding. A control unit includes a first gate and a second gate. The exciter winding is connected in series to the first gate and the second gate during a first operating mode to energize the exciter winding. The exciter winding is electrically connected in series to a first gate but is electrically disconnected from the second gate in a second, different operating mode to electrically disconnect the exciter winding from an exciter energy source. A method of operating a synchronous machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a synchronous machine including a rotating portion and a stationary portion, the rotating portion including at least one rotating diode coupled to a field winding, and the stationary portion including a stator winding and an exciter winding. A control unit includes a first gate and a second gate. The exciter winding is connected in series to the first gate and the second gate during a first operating mode to energize the exciter winding. The exciter winding is electrically connected in series to a first gate but is electrically disconnected from the second gate in a second, different operating mode to electrically disconnect the exciter winding from an exciter energy source. A method of operating a synchronous machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a synchronous machine including a rotating portion and a stationary portion, the rotating portion including at least one rotating diode coupled to a field winding, and the stationary portion including a stator winding and an exciter winding. A control unit includes a first gate and a second gate. The exciter winding is connected in series to the first gate and the second gate during a first operating mode to energize the exciter winding. The exciter winding is electrically connected in series to a first gate but is electrically disconnected from the second gate in a second, different operating mode to electrically disconnect the exciter winding from an exciter energy source. A method of operating a synchronous machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A duty cycle-based bit interface system includes a first stage voltage converter and second stage voltage converter in signal communication with the first stage voltage converter. The first stage voltage converter converts a digital voltage signal into an analog voltage signal. The second stage voltage converters convert the digital voltage signal into a scaled version of the same. A sampling unit is in signal communication with at least one of the second stage voltage converters, and is configured to sample a portion of the first stage analog output voltage signal during a sampling time period. The sampled portion has a duty cycle based-analog voltage signal during the sampling time period. A bit selector unit is in signal communication with the sampling unit, and outputs a bit enable signal that initiates a specific diagnostic test among a plurality of diagnostic tests based on the duty cycle of the sampled portion.

Abstract: A duty cycle-based bit interface system includes a first stage voltage converter and second stage voltage converter in signal communication with the first stage voltage converter. The first stage voltage converter converts a digital voltage signal into an analog voltage signal. The second stage voltage converters convert the digital voltage signal into a scaled version of the same. A sampling unit is in signal communication with at least one of the second stage voltage converters, and is configured to sample a portion of the first stage analog output voltage signal during a sampling time period. The sampled portion has a duty cycle based-analog voltage signal during the sampling time period. A bit selector unit is in signal communication with the sampling unit, and outputs a bit enable signal that initiates a specific diagnostic test among a plurality of diagnostic tests based on the duty cycle of the sampled portion.