Abstract: In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system. The system includes a pneumatic surgical instrument and a surgical console operable to provide compressed gas to the pneumatic surgical instrument. Additionally, the system includes a pneumatic drive line coupling the pneumatic surgical instrument to the surgical console. The pneumatic drive line has an internal bore configured to deliver the compressed gas to the pneumatic surgical instrument. The internal bore has a non-uniform cross-section along a length of the pneumatic drive line.

Abstract: System for transmitting energy to a moving vehicle. The system includes at least one moving vehicle; at least one energy source to supply energy toward the at least one moving vehicle; and a receiver that is movable relative to the at least one energy source, that receives the supplied energy from the at least one energy source and converts the received energy to at least one of charge a battery or to impart thrust to the at least one moving vehicle.

Abstract: System for converting transmitted energy to vehicle movement and power conversion system movable within a waveguide. System for converting transmitted energy to vehicle movement includes a structure having an elongated tubular interior; a movable vehicle structured and arranged to move through the elongated tubular interior; at least one energy source arranged at a fixed location within the elongated tubular interior to transmit energy; and a receiver, carried by the movable vehicle, configured to receive the transmitted energy from the at least one energy source and to convert the received energy into at least one of electrical power and thrust for moving the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and sealing a leak in a low-pressure transportation system including a low-pressure environment having a wall with an outer and an inner surface and an interior, and a hole passing through the wall that defines the leak in the low-pressure transportation system. The systems and methods including at least two sensors provided within the interior of the low-pressure environment that are structured and arranged to detect the leak, a controller in communication with the at least two sensors, a membrane deployer in communication with the controller, and a sealing membrane deployable by the membrane deployer and structured and arranged to provide a pressure-tight seal over the hole on the outer surface of the wall to seal the leak.

Abstract: In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system. The system includes a pneumatic surgical instrument and a surgical console operable to provide compressed gas to the pneumatic surgical instrument. Additionally, the system includes a pneumatic drive line coupling the pneumatic surgical instrument to the surgical console. The pneumatic drive line has an internal bore configured to deliver the compressed gas to the pneumatic surgical instrument. The internal bore has a non-uniform cross-section along a length of the pneumatic drive line.

Abstract: An adjustable variable atmospheric condition testing apparatus for testing an object includes an outer chamber, an inner chamber positioned inside and in fluid communication with the outer chamber, a vacuum pump configured to remove gas from the inner and outer chambers, and further configured to expel the removed gas via an exhaust, an intake configured to selectively introduce gas from ambient into the inner chamber via a valve, such that the introduced gas interacts with the object, and a sensor positioned downstream of the object and configured to detect a characteristic of the gas interacting with the object.

Abstract: A structure having at least one flexible material structured and arranged to withstand a tensile load, at least one support structure configured to support the flexible material and structured and arranged to withstand a compressive load, and at least one enclosed volume at least partially defined by the at least one flexible material, the at least one enclosed volume being configured to be maintained as a low-pressure environment.

Abstract: In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system. The system includes a pneumatic surgical instrument and a surgical console operable to provide compressed gas to the pneumatic surgical instrument. Additionally, the system includes a pneumatic drive line coupling the pneumatic surgical instrument to the surgical console. The pneumatic drive line has an internal bore configured to deliver the compressed gas to the pneumatic surgical instrument. The internal bore has a non-uniform cross-section along a length of the pneumatic drive line.

Abstract: System for converting transmitted energy to vehicle movement and power conversion system movable within a waveguide. System for converting transmitted energy to vehicle movement includes a structure having an elongated tubular interior; a movable vehicle structured and arranged to move through the elongated tubular interior; at least one energy source arranged at a fixed location within the elongated tubular interior to transmit energy; and a receiver, carried by the movable vehicle, configured to receive the transmitted energy from the at least one energy source and to convert the received energy into at least one of electrical power and thrust for moving the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and sealing a leak in a low-pressure transportation system including a low-pressure environment having a wall with an outer and an inner surface and an interior, and a hole passing through the wall that defines the leak in the low-pressure transportation system. The systems and methods including at least two sensors provided within the interior of the low-pressure environment that are structured and arranged to detect the leak, a controller in communication with the at least two sensors, a membrane deployer in communication with the controller, and a sealing membrane deployable by the membrane deployer and structured and arranged to provide a pressure-tight seal over the hole on the outer surface of the wall to seal the leak.

Abstract: A power supply system and method for a vehicle movable within a structure is provided. The power supply system includes at least one energy source arranged at a fixed location within the structure to transmit energy within the structure, and a receiver, arranged on the vehicle to receive the energy transmitted from the energy source, being configured to convert the energy to electrical power and/or thrust.

Abstract: A structure having at least one flexible material structured and arranged to withstand a tensile load, at least one support structure configured to support the flexible material and structured and arranged to withstand a compressive load, and at least one enclosed volume at least partially defined by the at least one flexible material, the at least one enclosed volume being configured to be maintained as a low-pressure environment

Abstract: An adjustable variable atmospheric condition testing apparatus for testing an object includes an outer chamber, an inner chamber positioned inside and in fluid communication with the outer chamber, a vacuum pump configured to remove gas from the inner and outer chambers, and further configured to expel the removed gas via an exhaust, an intake configured to selectively introduce gas from ambient into the inner chamber via a valve, such that the introduced gas interacts with the object, and a sensor positioned downstream of the object and configured to detect a characteristic of the gas interacting with the object.

Abstract: A high-speed transportation system, the system having at least one enclosed volume that is configured to be maintained as a low-pressure environment, at least one track along a transportation path within the at least enclosed volume; and a plurality of capsules configured for travel through the at least one enclosed volume between stations. The at least one enclosed volume is at least partially defined by at least one flexible material structured and arranged to withstand a tensile load.

Abstract: A power supply system and method for a vehicle movable within a structure is provided. The power supply system includes at least one energy source arranged at a fixed location within the structure to transmit energy within the structure, and a receiver, arranged on the vehicle to receive the energy transmitted from the energy source, being configured to convert the energy to electrical power and/or thrust.

Abstract: A high-speed transportation system, the system having at least one enclosed volume that is configured to be maintained as a low-pressure environment, at least one track along a transportation path within the at least enclosed volume; and a plurality of capsules configured for travel through the at least one enclosed volume between stations. The at least one enclosed volume is at least partially defined by at least one flexible material structured and arranged to withstand a tensile load.

Abstract: In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system. The system includes a pneumatic surgical instrument and a surgical console operable to provide compressed gas to the pneumatic surgical instrument. Additionally, the system includes a pneumatic drive line coupling the pneumatic surgical instrument to the surgical console. The pneumatic drive line has an internal bore configured to deliver the compressed gas to the pneumatic surgical instrument. The internal bore has a non-uniform cross-section along a length of the pneumatic drive line.

Abstract: A surgical cassette having an aspiration chamber and an aspiration source chamber. The aspiration chamber has a liquid/gas separating structure. The liquid/gas separating structure prevents bubble and liquid ingress into the aspiration source chamber and facilitates accurate, reliable measurement of the fluid level in the aspiration chamber.