Abstract: An intelligent sorting apparatus includes sensors, bins, and a controller that is configured to use data from the sensors to intelligently sort items into one of the plurality of bins. The controller may use the sensors to determine whether an item includes one of ceramic, metal, or wet or dry waste, as the item traverses down a first, second, and/or third incline, respectively. The controller may route the item towards one of a ceramic bin when the item includes ceramic, metal bin when the item includes metal, wet bin when the item includes wet waste, or dry bin when the item includes dry waste.

Abstract: An intelligent sorting apparatus includes sensors, bins, and a controller that is configured to use data from the sensors to intelligently sort items into one of the plurality of bins. The controller may use the sensors to determine whether an item includes one of ceramic, metal, or wet or dry waste, as the item traverses down a first, second, and/or third incline, respectively. The controller may route the item towards one of a ceramic bin when the item includes ceramic, metal bin when the item includes metal, wet bin when the item includes wet waste, or dry bin when the item includes dry waste.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a scope lens cleaning system disposed within a trocar shaft to allow the surgeon to clean the scope lens without losing orientation of the operative field. The lens cleaning system is configured to remove solid debris, liquid, and condensation from the scope lens. The cleaning system includes a first cleaning component configured to remove the solid debris from the scope lens. A second cleaning component is configured to remove the liquid and condensation from the scope lens. A third cleaning component wicks the solid debris and liquid away from the cleaning components and the scope lens and allows it to fall out the end of the trocar shaft. The cleaning system minimizes distraction during the surgical procedure to improve efficiency and safety.

Abstract: An inflatable retractor for use in laparoscopic surgery of a patient's body includes an inflatable element disposed at a distal end of a retractor shaft. The retractor shaft includes a port for receiving insufflating fluid. The inflatable element includes an inner and outer surface such that the inflatable element forms an angle with the retractor shaft and forms a compartment when the inflatable element is insufflated with fluid. The angle formed between the inflatable element and retractor shaft changes depending upon the insufflating pressure. In this way, the rigidity and shape of the inflatable element is controlled by the surgeon by the amount of insufflating pressure used, allowing for flexibility and ease of use.

Abstract: An inflatable retractor for use in laparoscopic surgery of a patient's body includes an inflatable element disposed at a distal end of a retractor shaft. The retractor shaft includes a port for receiving insufflating fluid. The inflatable element is designed so that different parts of the inflatable element may be filled to different pressure levels. The inflatable element may include separately inflatable chambers. In this way, the rigidity and shape of the inflatable element is controlled by the surgeon, allowing for flexibility and ease of use.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a scope lens cleaning system disposed within a trocar shaft to allow the surgeon to clean the scope lens without losing orientation of the operative field. The lens cleaning system is configured to remove solid debris, liquid, and condensation from the scope lens. The cleaning system includes a first cleaning component configured to remove the solid debris from the scope lens. A second cleaning component is configured to remove the liquid and condensation from the scope lens. A third cleaning component wicks the solid debris and liquid away from the cleaning components and the scope lens and allows it to fall out the end of the trocar shaft. The cleaning system minimizes distraction during the surgical procedure to improve efficiency and safety.

Abstract: An inflatable retractor for use in laparoscopic surgery of a patient's body includes an inflatable element disposed at a distal end of a retractor shaft. The retractor shaft includes a port for receiving insufflating fluid. The inflatable element is designed so that different parts of the inflatable element may be filled to different pressure levels. The inflatable element may include separately inflatable chambers. In this way, the rigidity and shape of the inflatable element is controlled by the surgeon, allowing for flexibility and ease of use.