Abstract: A system comprises a medical function unit comprising a connector interface configured to be operably coupled to control a medical function of a medical instrument, a control system operably coupled to control the medical function unit, a first user interface and a second user interface each operably coupled to the control system. The first user interface comprises one or more first control settings mapping to one or more corresponding settings of the medical function unit. The second user interface comprises one or more second control settings mapping to the one or more corresponding settings of the medical function. The second user interface is operable during a condition of the first user interface being inoperable.

Abstract: An apparatus may comprise first and second auxiliary function units each one or more connector interfaces configured to be operably connected to one or more medical devices via mating engagement with one or more transmission lines. The apparatus can further include a user interface overlay panel overlying at least a portion of each of the first auxiliary function unit and the second auxiliary function unit. The user interface overlay panel comprises a user interface control portion operably coupled to each of the first auxiliary function unit and second auxiliary function unit to alter control settings of each auxiliary function unit in response to input at the user interface control portion. The user interface control portion further comprises a first and second user interface control areas arranged to align with the one or more connector interfaces of the respective first and second auxiliary function units.

Abstract: A sterile drape assembly may comprise a drape and a cable guide coupled or configured to be coupled to the drape. The drape may comprise a first portion configured to cover a medical device holder and a second portion configured to cover a portion of an arm that supports the medical device holder. The cable guide may comprise two opposing guidepost arms extending in a first direction and defining a first opening and a side arm extending laterally from one of the guidepost arms, the side arm defining a second opening. The first opening is configured to receive and route a first transmission line along a first path. The second opening is spaced from the first opening and is configured to receive and route a second transmission line along a second path spaced from the first path.

Abstract: A method of retrieving a vial from a carrier includes the steps of: contacting a vial contained within a carrier with a gripper assembly to shift the position of the container to one end of the carrier and to adjust the position of the carrier on a platform from a diverted position to a retrieval position; lifting the vial from the carrier with the gripper assembly; and returning the vial to the carrier with the gripper assembly. Such a method can improve the accuracy and precision of moving the vial to and from the carrier for dispensing.

Abstract: A method of retrieving a vial from a carrier includes the steps of: contacting a vial contained within a carrier with a gripper assembly to shift the position of the container to one end of the carrier and to adjust the position of the carrier on a platform from a diverted position to a retrieval position; lifting the vial from the carrier with the gripper assembly; and returning the vial to the carrier with the gripper assembly. Such a method can improve the accuracy and precision of moving the vial to and from the carrier for dispensing.

Abstract: A method of retrieving a vial from a carrier includes the steps of: contacting a vial contained within a carrier with a gripper assembly to shift the position of the container to one end of the carrier and to adjust the position of the carrier on a platform from a diverted position to a retrieval position; lifting the vial from the carrier with the gripper assembly; and returning the vial to the carrier with the gripper assembly. Such a method can improve the accuracy and precision of moving the vial to and from the carrier for dispensing.

Abstract: A method of retrieving a vial from a carrier includes the steps of: contacting a vial contained within a carrier with a gripper assembly to shift the position of the container to one end of the carrier and to adjust the position of the carrier on a platform from a diverted position to a retrieval position; lifting the vial from the carrier with the gripper assembly; and returning the vial to the carrier with the gripper assembly. Such a method can improve the accuracy and precision of moving the vial to and from the carrier for dispensing.

Abstract: A method of retrieving a vial from a carrier includes the steps of: contacting a vial contained within a carrier with a gripper assembly to shift the position of the container to one end of the carrier and to adjust the position of the carrier on a platform from a diverted position to a retrieval position; lifting the vial from the carrier with the gripper assembly; and returning the vial to the carrier with the gripper assembly. Such a method can improve the accuracy and precision of moving the vial to and from the carrier for dispensing.

Abstract: A dual-plunger energy switch assembly for standing wave linear particle beam accelerators capable of operating in a higher energy mode and a lower energy mode employs two mechanical plungers that can be extended different distances inside two side cavities of the linear accelerator. When the linear accelerator is operated in the higher energy mode, both plungers are retracted out of the side cavities. To achieve high output while the linear accelerator is operated in the lower energy mode, the two plungers are radially inserted into the two side cavities to adjust the electromagnetic accelerating field along the length of the accelerator, e.g., one plunger is inserted into a side cavity so that the plunger touches the smile surface of the side cavity, while the second plunger is inserted into a second side cavity so that the plunger is adjacent to, but not touching, the smile surface of the side cavity.

Abstract: A dual-plunger energy switch assembly for standing wave linear particle beam accelerators capable of operating in a higher energy mode and a lower energy mode employs two mechanical plungers that can be extended different distances inside two side cavities of the linear accelerator. When the linear accelerator is operated in the higher energy mode, both plungers are retracted out of the side cavities. To achieve high output while the linear accelerator is operated in the lower energy mode, the two plungers are radially inserted into the two side cavities to adjust the electromagnetic accelerating field along the length of the accelerator, e.g., one plunger is inserted into a side cavity so that the plunger touches the smile surface of the side cavity, while the second plunger is inserted into a second side cavity so that the plunger is adjacent to, but not touching, the smile surface of the side cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a shape memory alloy is configured as a ring shaped sample holder for a transmission electron microscope and imparts uniform biaxial strain on a thin film mounted within. The sample holder responds to a change in temperature by changing the inner diameter, which imparts biaxial strain. In other embodiments, the sample holder is configured to change the inner diameter and change the strain on a thin film reversibly and repeatedly. In further embodiments, the sample holder is non circular. In still further embodiments, the apparatus is configured as a prime mover of a reversible radial actuator. Methods for making and using the apparatus are included in other embodiments.