Abstract: A refractory structural element is provided that is useful for lining the inner surface of a construct typically used as a kiln or other high temperature system. An element includes a stem portion associated with a flared end block portion whereby the flared end block portion is compatible with other structural elements to form a substantially continuous tiled surface when a plurality of refractory structural elements are laid adjacent to each other. The stem portion optionally has a plurality of protrusions decorated on its outer surface that may serve to adjust heat dissipation from the element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for articulating an elongate articulatable body which is adapted to be delivered within a body cavity. Particularly, systems and methods for enhancing an articulating force on the elongate body without increasing an actuation force applied by an actuator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for articulating an elongate articulatable body which is adapted to be delivered within a body cavity. Particularly, systems and methods for enhancing an articulating force on the elongate body without increasing an actuation force applied by an actuator.

Abstract: Medical and/or robotic devices, systems and methods can provide an indicator associated with each manipulator assembly of a multi-arm telerobotic or telesurgical system. The exemplary indicator comprises a multi-color light emitting diode (LED) mounted to a manipulator moving an associated surgical instrument, allowing the indicator to display any of a wide variety of signals. The invention may provide an additional user interface to facilitate communications between the telesurgical system and/or members of a telesurgical team.

Abstract: Medical and/or robotic devices, systems and methods can provide an indicator associated with each manipulator assembly of a multi-arm telerobotic or telesurgical system. The exemplary indicator comprises a multi-color light emitting diode (LED) mounted to a manipulator moving an associated surgical instrument, allowing the indicator to display any of a wide variety of signals. The invention may provide an additional user interface to facilitate communications between the telesurgical system and/or members of a telesurgical team.

Abstract: Systems and processes are described relating to laser-based ophthalmic intervention technologies, and, more specifically, to techniques for creating lesions on an eye using a modular system featuring one or more coherent fiber bundles configured to deliver laser energy to the eye from a separate housing wherein a laser source is located. The subject technology may be utilized to not only separate a patient from certain portions of the hardware, but also to facilitate patterned lesion creation using mobile devices such as LIO and laser endoprobe devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for articulating an elongate articulatable body which is adapted to be delivered within a body cavity. Particularly, systems and methods for enhancing an articulating force on the elongate body without increasing an actuation force applied by an actuator.

Abstract: A cementitious material is provided that includes a phosphate based component and an alkali earth component. The alkali earth ion component has as a majority source a calcium aluminate calcium ion source of dodeca-calcium hepta-aluminate, or tricalcium aluminate. Magnesium oxide that has been fused and crushed to a size of less than 200 microns, alone or in combination with the calcium aluminate calcium ion source is also provided as the alkali earth ion component. When the phosphate based component and alkali earth ion components are combined in appropriate proportions, a rigid structure is obtained. A cementitious material formulation is also provided having an aqueous acidic phosphate solution as a part B and an alkali earth ion source as a part A that includes calcium aluminate, magnesium oxide or a combination thereof. Other additives include strength enhancing insoluble phosphate additive, an impurity metal reaction suppressant, tackifiers, anti-foaming agents, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to reporting the approximate three-dimensional orientation of the steerable distal portion of an endoscope to the user of the endoscope. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for providing the endoscope-user a display from which to more easily determine the approximate three-dimensional orientation of the steerable distal portion of the endoscope, thereby facilitating navigation of the endoscope. The present invention also relates to a system and method for limiting the amount the steerable distal portion can bend overall to reduce or eliminate the user's ability to over-retroflex the steerable distal portion of the endoscope.

Abstract: A cementitious material is provided that includes a phosphate based component and an alkali earth component. The alkali earth ion component has as a majority source a calcium aluminate calcium ion source of dodeca-calcium hepta-aluminate, or tricalcium aluminate. Magnesium oxide that has been fused and crushed to a size of less than 200 microns, alone or in combination with the calcium aluminate calcium ion source is also provided as the alkali earth ion component. When the phosphate based component and alkali earth ion components are combined in appropriate proportions, a rigid structure is obtained. A cementitious material formulation is also provided having an aqueous acidic phosphate solution as a part B and an alkali earth ion source as a part A that includes calcium aluminate, magnesium oxide or a combination thereof. Other additives include strength enhancing insoluble phosphate additive, an impurity metal reaction suppressant, tackifiers, anti-foaming agents, and the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods of positioning a bendable instrument by moving at least two control elements first and second amounts to bend the instrument to a position; measuring the first and second amounts; and determining the position, shape or configuration of the instrument from the first and second amounts.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic surgical system is provided including a master control console and a surgical manipulator. The master control console generates control signals to cause one or more fluids to flow into or out of a surgical site. The surgical manipulator is coupled to the console to receive the control signals and includes at least one robotic arm and a surgical instrument coupled thereto. The surgical manipulator controls the surgical instrument in response to the control signals to control the flow of the one or more fluids into or out of the surgical site. The surgical instrument has a first robotically controlled valve that is responsive to the surgical manipulator and a hollow tube having a first end coupled to the first robotically controlled valve with an opening at a second end to direct the flow of one or more fluids.

Abstract: A method of performing a surgical procedure on a patient is provided. The method typically comprises positioning a surgical work station of a robotically controlled surgical system and a patient on which a surgical procedure is to be performed in close proximity relative to each other, directing a field of view of an image capture device of the surgical work station at a surgical site on the patient, at which site the surgical procedure is to be performed, and introducing at least one robotically controlled surgical instrument on the surgical work station to the surgical site so that an end effector of the surgical instrument is within the field of view of the image capture device. The method typically further comprises displaying an image of the surgical site and the end effector on a display area of an image display at an operator control station of the surgical system.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic surgical instrument is provided for the control of flows of one or more fluids into and out of a surgical site. The robotic surgical instrument may include a housing, a flow control system, a hollow tube, and one or more hose fittings. The housing to couple the instrument to a robotic arm. The flow control system mounted in the housing includes one or more controlled valves to control the flow of one or more fluids. The hollow tube has a first end mounted in the housing coupled to the flow control system. A second end of the hollow tube has one or more openings to allow the flow of fluids into and out of the surgical site. The hose fittings have a first end coupled to the flow control system and a second end to couple to hoses.

Abstract: Medical and/or robotic devices, systems and methods can provide an indicator associated with each manipulator assembly of a multi-arm telerobotic or telesurgical system. The exemplary indicator comprises a multi-color light emitting diode (LED) mounted to a manipulator moving an associated surgical instrument, allowing the indicator to display any of a wide variety of signals. The invention may provide an additional user interface to facilitate communications between the telesurgical system and/or members of a telesurgical team.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic surgical instrument is provided for the control of flows of one or more fluids into and out of a surgical site. The robotic surgical instrument may include a housing, a flow control system, a hollow tube, and one or more hose fittings. The housing to couple the instrument to a robotic arm. The flow control system mounted in the housing includes one or more controlled valves to control the flow of one or more fluids. The hollow tube has a first end mounted in the housing coupled to the flow control system. A second end of the hollow tube has one or more openings to allow the flow of fluids into and out of the surgical site. The hose fittings have a first end coupled to the flow control system and a second end to couple to hoses.

Abstract: Bonded aggregate compositions such as concrete, concrete repair products, high temperature refractories, high temperature insulation and fire resistant insulation are made from an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid and a separate, storable dry mixture of suitable aggregate, monocalcium phosphate, and calcium in the form of calcium aluminate cement or calcium oxide. The proportion of wet to dry constituents is variable so as to select the working time and strength of the aggregate composition, typically on the order of ten to fifteen minutes. The mixture of the preferred dry constituents, and the binder to be mixed with the aggregate to yield the preferred dry mixture, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a supporting insert, such as a set insert (bun) for a vehicle, into a cover, such as a seat cover for a vehicle. The apparatus of the present invention includes a bench upon which a cover holding assembly and a stuffing bracket are provided. The holding assembly comprises four self-adjusting blades which are substantially grouped together at the beginning of the fitting cycle. After an inside-out seat cover's open end is fitted onto the blades, the blades move away from each other into the corners of the cover to expand the cover to its maximum size. The insert is then positioned between the top (closed) end of the covering material and the stuffing bracket. The stuffing bracket then drives the seat insert into the inside-out covering material, gradually turning the material outside-out as the insert is moved forward.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a supporting insert, such as a set insert (bun) for a vehicle, into a cover, such as a seat cover for a vehicle. The apparatus of the present invention includes a bench upon which a cover holding assembly and a stuffing bracket are provided. The holding assembly comprises four self-adjusting blades which are substantially grouped together at the beginning of the fitting cycle. After an inside-out seat cover's open end is fitted onto the blades, the blades move away from each other into the corners of the cover to expand the cover to its maximum size. The insert is then positioned between the top (closed) end of the covering material and the stuffing bracket. The stuffing bracket then drives the seat insert into the inside-out covering material, gradually turning the material outside-out as the insert is moved forward.

Abstract: Bonded aggregate compositions such as concrete, concrete repair products, high temperature refractories, high temperature insulation and fire resistant insulation are made from an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid and a separate, storable dry mixture of suitable aggregate, monocalcium phosphate, and calcium in the form of calcium aluminate cement or calcium oxide. The proportion of wet to dry constituents is variable so as to select the working time and strength of the aggregate composition, typically on the order of ten to fifteen minutes. The mixture of the preferred dry constituents, and the binder to be mixed with the aggregate to yield the preferred dry mixture, are also disclosed.