Abstract: A surgical system includes a robotic manipulator and an end effector supported by the robotic manipulator. The end effector includes a surgical tool to interact with an anatomy and a compliance mechanism. The compliance mechanism enables the surgical tool to move relative to the robotic manipulator in response to external forces/torques applied to the surgical tool by the anatomy. The compliance mechanism has a stationary portion coupled to the robotic manipulator, a moveable portion coupled to the surgical tool, and a flexible portion disposed between the stationary portion and the moveable portion. An input device has a force/torque sensor that senses a force/torque applied to the input device by a user. The force/torque sensor is mechanically isolated from the external forces/torques applied to the surgical tool.

Abstract: A robotic manipulator includes an arm including at least one joint driven by a transmission comprising an output, an isolation mechanism coupled to the output of the transmission, and a force/torque sensor coupled to the isolation mechanism. The force/torque sensor includes a body, which includes a stationary part and a movable part coupled to and being movable relative to the stationary part. The force/torque sensor also includes one or more sensing elements configured to sense forces and torques applied to the movable part. The isolation mechanism is configured to deform in response to forces induced by the transmission to mechanically isolate the force/torque sensor from forces induced by the transmission.

Abstract: A tracker for a navigation system. A tracker body defines an opening, and a lens is positionable to seal the opening. A plug is configured to be coupled to the tracker body to secure the lens. A tracking element may be disposed between the lens and the plug so as to be visible through the lens. The tracking element may be disposed within a sealed enclosure defined by the lens and the plug. The plug may define a counterbore in fluid communication with the opening, and the plug may be at least partially disposed within the counterbore. The plug may further define a groove, and the tracker may include a sealing element disposed within the groove. The plug may include a shoulder configured to in sealing engagement with the tracker body. Methods of assembling the tracker for use with the navigation system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a surgical robot with an end effector that supports a drive assembly, a manual interface, and a trigger assembly. A cutting tool is attached to the drive assembly and rotatable about a cutting axis. A method includes positioning, with the surgical robot, the cutting tool relative to a surgical site to align the cutting axis with a predetermined trajectory. A user engages the trigger assembly for rotating the cutting tool about the cutting axis with the drive assembly and advancing the cutting tool along the predetermined trajectory at the surgical site to a first depth. A user applies force to the manual interface for rotating the cutting tool about the cutting axis and advancing the cutting tool along the predetermined trajectory to a second depth greater than the first depth.

Abstract: End effectors for driving tools at surgical sites along trajectories maintained by surgical robots. A tool has interface and working ends. An end effector has a mount to attach to the surgical robot, and an actuator configured to generate torque. A drive assembly with a geartrain translates rotation from the actuator into rotation of a drive conduit supported about an axis. A rotational lock operatively attached to the drive conduit releasably secures the tool for concurrent rotation about the axis, and an axial lock releasably secures the tool for concurrent translation with the drive conduit along the trajectory maintained by the surgical robot. The axial lock is operable between a release configuration where relative movement between the drive assembly and the tool is permitted along the axis, and a lock configuration where relative movement between the drive assembly and the tool is restricted along the axis.

Abstract: End effectors for driving tools at surgical sites along trajectories maintained by surgical robots. A tool has interface and working ends. An end effector has a mount to attach to the surgical robot, and an actuator configured to generate torque. A drive assembly with a geartrain translates rotation from the actuator into rotation of a drive conduit supported about an axis. A rotational lock operatively attached to the drive conduit releasably secures the tool for concurrent rotation about the axis, and an axial lock releasably secures the tool for concurrent translation with the drive conduit along the trajectory maintained by the surgical robot. The axial lock is operable between a release configuration where relative movement between the drive assembly and the tool is permitted along the axis, and a lock configuration where relative movement between the drive assembly and the tool is restricted along the axis.

Abstract: A helicopter-hoist system is described. The system may include: hoist equipment, illumination systems, range-measuring equipment, camera(s), communication systems, display devices, processing/control systems including image-processing systems, and power-management systems. The system may also include a smart-hook for measuring a load on the hook. Based on the measured load on the cable, the lighting may be illuminated in different manners. In another aspect, the system may communicate with display devices, which render images of a mission to helicopter crew members or other observers.

Abstract: A helicopter-hoist system is described. The system may include: hoist equipment, illumination systems, range-measuring equipment, camera(s), communication systems, display devices, processing/control systems including image-processing systems, and power-management systems. The system may also include a smart-hook for measuring a load on the hook. Based on the measured load on the cable, the lighting may be illuminated in different manners. In another aspect, the system may communicate with display devices, which render images of a mission to helicopter crew members or other observers.

Abstract: A helicopter-hoist system is described. The system may include: hoist equipment, illumination systems, range-measuring equipment, camera(s), communication systems, display devices, processing/control systems including image-processing systems, and power-management systems. The system may also include a smart-hook for measuring a load on the hook. Based on the measured load on the cable, the lighting may be illuminated in different manners. In another aspect, the system may communicate with display devices, which render images of a mission to helicopter crew members or other observers.

Abstract: A joint assembly for releasably securing a first and a second segment of an associated modular limb is provided. The joint assembly includes a male connector including a base and a load bearing blade secured to the base of the male connector protruding therefrom. The male connector is adapted to be secured to one of the first and second segments of the associated modular limb. A female connector is provided and includes a base and a load bearing socket secured to the base of the female connector. The socket is configured to selectively receive the blade of the male connector. The female connector is adapted to be secured to the other of the first and second segments of the associated modular limb. A locking member selectively retains the blade of the male connector in the socket of the female connector. The male connector, the female connector, and the locking member cooperate to form a resilient and selectively releasable modular limb joint.

Abstract: A modular rotational electric actuator includes an output housing and internal drive components that include integrated control electronics, a torque sensor, and a portion of a joint assembly. The joint assembly includes a joint connector coupled to the internal drive components, including integrated control electronics, e.g., by a resilient member. The resilient member elastically couples the joint connector to a portion of the output housing, the joint connector including a portion that extends outward therefrom.

Abstract: A helicopter-hoist system is described. The system may include: hoist equipment, illumination systems, range-measuring equipment, camera(s), communication systems, display devices, processing/control systems including image-processing systems, and power-management systems. The system may also include a smart-hook for measuring a load on the hook. Based on the measured load on the cable, the lighting may be illuminated in different manners. In another aspect, the system may communicate with display devices, which render images of a mission to helicopter crew members or other observers.

Abstract: A joint assembly for releasably securing a first and a second segment of an associated modular limb is provided. The joint assembly includes a male connector including a base and a load bearing blade secured to the base of the male connector protruding therefrom. The male connector is adapted to be secured to one of the first and second segments of the associated modular limb. A female connector is provided and includes a base and a load bearing socket secured to the base of the female connector. The socket is configured to selectively receive the blade of the male connector. The female connector is adapted to be secured to the other of the first and second segments of the associated modular limb. A locking member selectively retains the blade of the male connector in the socket of the female connector. The male connector, the female connector, and the locking member cooperate to form a resilient and selectively releasable modular limb joint.

Abstract: A joint assembly for releasably securing a first and a second segment of an associated modular limb is provided. The joint assembly includes a male connector including a base and a load bearing blade secured to the base of the male connector protruding therefrom. The male connector is adapted to be secured to one of the first and second segments of the associated modular limb. A female connector is provided and includes a base and a load bearing socket secured to the base of the female connector. The socket is configured to selectively receive the blade of the male connector. The female connector is adapted to be secured to the other of the first and second segments of the associated modular limb. A locking member selectively retains the blade of the male connector in the socket of the female connector. The male connector, the female connector, and the locking member cooperate to form a resilient and selectively releasable modular limb joint.

Abstract: A modular rotational electric actuator includes an output housing and internal drive components that include integrated control electronics, a torque sensor, and a portion of a joint assembly. The joint assembly includes a joint connector coupled to the internal drive components, including integrated control electronics, e.g., by a resilient member. The resilient member elastically couples the joint connector to a portion of the output housing, the joint connector including a portion that extends outward therefrom.

Abstract: A joint assembly for releasably securing a first and a second segment of an associated modular limb is provided. The joint assembly includes a male connector including a base and a load bearing blade secured to the base of the male connector protruding therefrom. The male connector is adapted to be secured to one of the first and second segments of the associated modular limb. A female connector is provided and includes a base and a load bearing socket secured to the base of the female connector. The socket is configured to selectively receive the blade of the male connector. The female connector is adapted to be secured to the other of the first and second segments of the associated modular limb. A locking member selectively retains the blade of the male connector in the socket of the female connector. The male connector, the female connector, and the locking member cooperate to form a resilient and selectively releasable modular limb joint.