Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device to firmly grasp and manipulate delicate tissues in microsurgery, while precisely measuring tool-tissue interaction forces in three dimensions (x-y-z). The design enables precise measurement of forces at the tool tip without being influenced by other forces that may act on the tool shaft. The device of the present invention is capable of measuring axial (z) forces together with the transverse forces (x-y) on an actuated (not static) instrument. Fiber optic sensors are embedded into strategic locations of the design to decouple and precisely detect force components (x-y-z) separately. The force information is used to provide feedback to the operator, or to a robotic platform. The exerted forces on critical tissues, such as the retina in eye surgery, can be maintained at a safe level, clinical complications due to excessive forces can be lessened, safety, and outcome of microsurgical procedures can be enhanced.

Abstract: An intraoperative registration and tracking system includes an optical source configured to illuminate tissue intraoperatively with electromagnetic radiation at a substantially localized spot so as to provide a photoacoustic source at the substantially localize spot, an optical imaging system configured to form an optical image of at least a portion of the tissue and to detect and determine a position of the substantially localized spot in the optical image, an ultrasound imaging system configured to form an ultrasound image of at least a portion of the tissue and to detect and determine a position of the substantially localized spot in the ultrasound image, and a registration system configured to determine a coordinate transformation that registers the optical image with the ultrasound image based at least partially on a correspondence of the spot in the optical image with the spot in the ultrasound image.

Abstract: An assembly for forming a lateral wellbore includes a mill having a bore and a plurality of blades; a whipstock having an inclined surface for guiding movement of the mill, the mill releasably connected to the whipstock; and a tubing disposed in the bore of the mill and the whipstock. In one example, at least one of the plurality of blades is disposed in a slot formed in the whipstock.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may be directed to systems, methods, apparatuses, devices, computer program products, computer-executable instructions, and/or applications for securely and anonymously accessing web resources and customizable attribution of identity. In accordance with the present disclosure, a user may inspect and analyze a webpage as well as the underlying source code from an “arm's length” using a secure analysis application to prevent exposure on the user's local machine. The secure analysis application may provide increased flexibility in masking and/or modifying the user's digital persona to external websites. Additionally, the secure analysis application may be integrated with a translation service to translate textual web content without the web content provider being alerted that a translation is taking place.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may be directed to systems, methods, apparatuses, devices, computer program products, computer-executable instructions, and/or applications for securely and anonymously accessing web resources and customizable attribution of identity. In accordance with the present disclosure, a user may inspect and analyze a webpage as well as the underlying source code from an “arm's length” using a secure analysis application to prevent exposure on the user's local machine. The secure analysis application may provide increased flexibility in masking and/or modifying the user's digital persona to external websites.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may be directed to systems, methods, apparatuses, devices, computer program products, computer-executable instructions, and/or applications for securely and anonymously accessing web resources and customizable attribution of identity. In accordance with the present disclosure, a user may inspect and analyze a webpage as well as the underlying source code from an “arm's length” using a secure analysis application to prevent exposure on the user's local machine. The secure analysis application may provide increased flexibility in masking and/or modifying the user's digital persona to external websites.

Abstract: A LUS robotic surgical system is trainable by a surgeon to automatically move a LUS probe in a desired fashion upon command so that the surgeon does not have to do so manually during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. A sequence of 2D ultrasound image slices captured by the LUS probe according to stored instructions are processable into a 3D ultrasound computer model of an anatomic structure, which may be displayed as a 3D or 2D overlay to a camera view or in a PIP as selected by the surgeon or programmed to assist the surgeon in inspecting an anatomic structure for abnormalities. Virtual fixtures are definable so as to assist the surgeon in accurately guiding a tool to a target on the displayed ultrasound image.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for allowing universal surgical tool exchange. The device of the present invention includes a tool-side adapter and a robot-side adapter that combine the benefits of a robot in the operating room (OR) with a system that has minimal impact on the current surgical workflow. The device of the present invention allows surgeons to preserve their natural grip on the surgical tool, creates a reliable and repeatable connection between the tool and the robot, and allows the user to rapidly swap the tools in and out from the surgical robot using a single-handed motion. A unique RFID tag and receiver is embedded in the tool-side adapter and the robot-side adapter, respectively to allow the robot to identify the tool that has been engaged. The present invention is universally applicable to any robotic system that is intended to hold a set of hand instruments.

Abstract: A dual-function heat indicator for monitoring two or more modes of heat exposure is described. A manufacturing process for the dual-function heat indicator is also described. Dual-function heat indicators as described may be useful for monitoring the exposure of host products, with which the dual-function heat indicators may be associated, to cumulative ambient heat exposure and to a peak ambient heat exposure, and for other purposes.

Abstract: A steering mechanism and guidance system for a milling attachment device provides steering capability without impeding cutting depth control. The steering mechanism has at least one wheel that is rotated by an actuating mechanism such as an extending cylinder, synchronized actuators, or the like. The steering mechanism may be integrated with depth control by using a parallelogrammic structure with pivot points to assist in the depth control or may operate independent of and without impeding depth control.

Abstract: A steering mechanism and guidance system for a milling attachment device provides steering capability without impeding cutting depth control. The steering mechanism has at least one wheel that is rotated by an actuating mechanism such as an extending cylinder, synchronized actuators, or the like. The steering mechanism may be integrated with depth control by using a parallelogrammic structure with pivot points to assist in the depth control or may operate independent of and without impeding depth control.

Abstract: A LUS robotic surgical system is trainable by a surgeon to automatically move a LUS probe in a desired fashion upon command so that the surgeon does not have to do so manually during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. A sequence of 2D ultrasound image slices captured by the LUS probe according to stored instructions are processable into a 3D ultrasound computer model of an anatomic structure, which may be displayed as a 3D or 2D overlay to a camera view or in a PIP as selected by the surgeon or programmed to assist the surgeon in inspecting an anatomic structure for abnormalities. Virtual fixtures are definable so as to assist the surgeon in accurately guiding a tool to a target on the displayed ultrasound image.

Abstract: A mechanical translation apparatus includes a translation stage and a translation assembly operatively connected to the translation stage so as to impart linear motions to the translation stage substantially free of rotational motions. The translation assembly includes a plurality of at least three arms pivotably connected to the translation stage at a first end of each arm of the plurality of at least three arms. The mechanical translation apparatus also includes a base assembly in which each arm of the plurality of at least three arms is also rotationally connected to the base assembly at a second end of each arm.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a main engine compressor section. A booster compressor changing a pressure of airflow received from the main engine compressor section to a pressure desired for a pneumatic system. The booster compressor operates at airflow conditions greater than a demand by the pneumatic system. A speed change system driving the booster compressor at speeds corresponding to a demand of the pneumatic system. A bleed air system for a gas turbine engine and a method of controlling engine bleed airflow are also disclosed.

Abstract: A LUS robotic surgical system is trainable by a surgeon to automatically move a LUS probe in a desired fashion upon command so that the surgeon does not have to do so manually during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. A sequence of 2D ultrasound image slices captured by the LUS probe according to stored instructions are processable into a 3D ultrasound computer model of an anatomic structure, which may be displayed as a 3D or 2D overlay to a camera view or in a PIP as selected by the surgeon or programmed to assist the surgeon in inspecting an anatomic structure for abnormalities. Virtual fixtures are definable so as to assist the surgeon in accurately guiding a tool to a target on the displayed ultrasound image.

Abstract: An assembly for forming a lateral wellbore includes a mill having a bore and a plurality of blades; a whipstock having an inclined surface for guiding movement of the mill, the mill releasably connected to the whipstock; and a tubing disposed in the bore of the mill and the whipstock. In one example, at least one of the plurality of blades is disposed in a slot formed in the whipstock.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may be directed to systems, methods, apparatuses, devices, computer program products, computer-executable instructions, and/or applications for securely and anonymously accessing web resources and customizable attribution of identity. In accordance with the present disclosure, a user may inspect and analyze a webpage as well as the underlying source code from an “arm's length” using a secure analysis application to prevent exposure on the user's local machine. The secure analysis application may provide increased flexibility in masking and/or modifying the user's digital persona to external websites. Additionally, the secure analysis application may be integrated with a translation service to translate textual web content without the web content provider being alerted that a translation is taking place.

Abstract: A dual-function heat indicator for monitoring two or more modes of heat exposure is described. A manufacturing process for the dual-function heat indicator is also described. Dual-function heat indicators as described may be useful for monitoring the exposure of host products, with which the dual-function heat indicators may be associated, to cumulative ambient heat exposure and to a peak ambient heat exposure, and for other purposes.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a main compressor section. A booster compressor includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet receives airflow from the main compressor section and the outlet provides airflow to a pneumatic system. A recirculation passage is between the inlet and the outlet. A flow splitter valve controls airflow between the outlet and the inlet through the recirculation passage for controlling airflow to the pneumatic system based on airflow output from the booster compressor. A bleed air system for a gas turbine engine and a method of controlling engine bleed airflow are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a main engine compressor section. A booster compressor changes a pressure of airflow received from the main engine compressor section to a pressure desired for a pneumatic system. The booster compressor is configured to operate at airflow conditions greater than a demand of the pneumatic system. An exhaust valve controls airflow between an exhaust outlet and an outlet passage to the pneumatic system. The exhaust valve is operable to exhaust airflow from the booster compressor in excess of the demand of the pneumatic system. A bleed air system for a gas turbine engine and a method of controlling engine bleed airflow are also disclosed.