Abstract: A computer-implemented method of currency conversion into digital assets includes obtaining authorization to receive a payout in a fiat coin or currency of a first predetermined amount on behalf of at least one beneficiary of an insurance policy. The payout is received and is converted into a first predetermined amount of one or more digital assets that may include cryptocurrency or non-fungible tokens (NFT). The at least one beneficiary is provided with one or more payments of a second predetermined amount.

Abstract: A surgical system for penetrating and determining a characteristic of tissue. An instrument generates rotational torque, and a drill bit tool body extends along an axis between a distal end to engage tissue and a proximal end to couple to the instrument. An emitter operatively coupled to the instrument emits light. A detector operatively coupled to the instrument detects light. An emission lightguide within the tool body transmits light emitted by the emitter toward the tissue as the instrument rotates the tool body. A detection lightguide within the tool body is spaced from the emission lightguide and transmit light reflected by the tissue toward the detector as the instrument rotates the tool body. The emitter emits light into the emission lightguide along the axis, and the detector detects light reflected from the tissue exiting the detection lightguide transverse to the axis when the tool body is coupled to the instrument.

Abstract: A surgical system for penetrating and determining a characteristic of tissue. An instrument generates rotational torque, and a drill bit tool body extends along an axis between a distal end to engage tissue and a proximal end to couple to the instrument. An emitter operatively coupled to the instrument emits light. A detector operatively coupled to the instrument detects light. An emission lightguide within the tool body transmits light emitted by the emitter toward the tissue as the instrument rotates the tool body. A detection lightguide within the tool body is spaced from the emission lightguide and transmit light reflected by the tissue toward the detector as the instrument rotates the tool body. The emitter emits light into the emission lightguide along the axis, and the detector detects light reflected from the tissue exiting the detection lightguide transverse to the axis when the tool body is coupled to the instrument.

Abstract: A variable gap stop device which can stop the movement of a drive unit, such as a cylinder which moves a chuck on which a semiconductor wafer is secured in a semiconductor processing equipment. The drive unit includes at least one positioning surface. A movable gap stop unit includes at least one stop surface, and in a preferred embodiment may include two or more different stop surfaces each at a different height. A cylinder moves the movable gap stop unit to position at least one of the stop surfaces to be in and out of alignment with the at least one positioning surface of the drive unit. With such a structure and operation, the at least one positioning surface of the drive unit can abut against the variable stop surfaces of the movable gap stop unit. Based on which of the plural stop surfaces the positioning surface of the drive unit abuts against, a height that the drive unit moves the positioning surface can be controlled, e.g.