Abstract: A spatio-temporal profilometer performs time-resolved spatial profilometry and includes a substrate, a tapered optical collimator waveguide, a fluid channel, and a light-fluid interaction volume. The tapered optical collimator waveguide receives diverging light, internally reflects it, and collimates it. The fluid channel receives a fluid comprising microparticles and communicates the microparticles into the fluid channel. The light-fluid interaction volume is disposed in the fluid channel and provided by an overlap within the fluid channel of the collimated light from the tapered optical collimator waveguide and the fluid. The spatio-temporal profilometer produces product light from the collimated light in response to the microparticles interacting with the collimated light in the light-fluid interaction volume from which is determined a spatial and temporal profile of microparticles in the fluid channel.

Abstract: A system for electromagnetic navigation in dental implant placement may include an electromagnetic tracking system that may be configured to track positions and orientations of a plurality of electromagnetic sensors. An exemplary electromagnetic tracking system may include a field generator that may be attached to a dental unit utilizing a positioning arm. An exemplary system may further include a control unit that may be coupled to the electromagnetic tracking system and the positioning arm. The control unit may be configured to receive the tracked positions of the plurality of the electromagnetic sensors from the electromagnetic tracking system and to adjust at least a position or an angular orientation of the field generator to maintain the plurality of the electromagnetic sensors within a volume of interest within the tracking volume.

Abstract: A location tracking apparatus and method of tracking are disclosed. The location tracking apparatus includes a tip configured to move on a surface, a tracking instrument, and a frictionless sensor associated with the tip. The tip is configured to undergo a displacement within a limited range when the tip is pushed to the surface, or when the tip is moved away from the surface, so that the tip maintains contact with the surface while moving on the surface. The tracking instrument is configured to generate location data. The frictionless sensor is configured to generate displacement data.

Abstract: Various devices and methods for guiding a biopsy surgical tool are disclosed. One type of surgical device includes a first rotational mechanism, a translational mechanism, and a second rotational mechanism. In some cases, the second rotational mechanism includes a circular frame and an end-effector. The yaw movement of the end-effector is effectuated via the first rotational mechanism. In addition, roll and pitch movements of the end-effector are effectuated via the second rotational mechanism. Furthermore, translational movement of the end-effector is effectuated via the translational mechanism.

Abstract: Various robotic guides for a biopsy surgical tool are disclosed, of which one includes a main shaft, an end-effector mounted on a distal end of the main shaft, a roll/yaw actuating mechanism, a translational actuating mechanism, and a pitch actuating mechanism. Optionally, the roll/yaw actuating mechanism includes a first actuating mechanism and a second actuating mechanism. Roll movement or yaw movement of the main shaft is effectuated by combination of movements of the first actuating mechanism and the second actuating mechanism.

Abstract: A system for electromagnetic navigation in dental implant placement may include an electromagnetic tracking system that may be configured to track positions and orientations of a plurality of electromagnetic sensors. An exemplary electromagnetic tracking system may include a field generator that may be attached to a dental unit utilizing a positioning arm. An exemplary system may further include a control unit that may be coupled to the electromagnetic tracking system and the positioning arm. The control unit may be configured to receive the tracked positions of the plurality of the electromagnetic sensors from the electromagnetic tracking system and to adjust at least a position or an angular orientation of the field generator to maintain the plurality of the electromagnetic sensors within a volume of interest within the tracking volume.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for navigating an imaging instrument in a branched structure. The branched structure includes a plurality of landmarks. The method includes selecting a target in the branched structure, selecting a first landmark from the plurality of landmarks, acquiring a virtual model of the branched structure, extracting a first virtual image of the first landmark from the virtual model, acquiring a first live image of the first landmark by the imaging instrument, and registering the first live image with the first virtual image. The first landmark is associated with the target.

Abstract: A location tracking apparatus and method of tracking are disclosed. The location tracking apparatus includes a tip configured to move on a surface, a tracking instrument, and a frictionless sensor associated with the tip. The tip is configured to undergo a displacement within a limited range when the tip is pushed to the surface, or when the tip is moved away from the surface, so that the tip maintains contact with the surface while moving on the surface. The tracking instrument is configured to generate location data. The frictionless sensor is configured to generate displacement data.

Abstract: Various devices and methods for guiding a biopsy surgical tool are disclosed. One type of surgical device includes a first rotational mechanism, a translational mechanism, and a second rotational mechanism. In some cases, the second rotational mechanism includes a circular frame and an end-effector. The yaw movement of the end-effector is effectuated via the first rotational mechanism. In addition, roll and pitch movements of the end-effector are effectuated via the second rotational mechanism. Furthermore, translational movement of the end-effector is effectuated via the translational mechanism.

Abstract: Various robotic guides for a biopsy surgical tool are disclosed, of which one includes a main shaft, an end-effector mounted on a distal end of the main shaft, a roll/yaw actuating mechanism, a translational actuating mechanism, and a pitch actuating mechanism. Optionally, the roll/yaw actuating mechanism includes a first actuating mechanism and a second actuating mechanism. Roll movement or yaw movement of the main shaft is effectuated by combination of movements of the first actuating mechanism and the second actuating mechanism.