Abstract: Structural members and methods for manufacturing a plastic-based, bulk, antimicrobial structural member of a robot. Such bulk antimicrobial plastic solution can meet the hygienic requirement and the mechanical performance requirement of a structural member of a robot simultaneously. Meanwhile, it may reduce the overall weight of the robot.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a cover mounted on top of a manifold, the cover comprising an exhaust opening and an inner surface forming a space between the inner surface of the cover and an outer surface of the manifold, wherein the space is configured to receive pressurized gas at an inlet positioned on a first side of a valve. The valve is coupled to the outer surface of the manifold and positioned within the space. The exhaust opening is positioned on a second side of the valve opposite the first side of the valve such that pressurized gas circulates from the inlet around the valve and exits through the exhaust opening.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing the application of pulse width modulation (PWM) in a voltage signal for delivering a current in a valve used to alternatively deliver pressurized gas to and vent from chambers in a vitrectomy probe used to drive a cutter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing the application of pulse width modulation (PWM) in a voltage signal for delivering a current in a valve used to alternatively deliver pressurized gas to and vent from chambers in a vitrectomy probe used to drive a cutter.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for enhancing the reliability of a pneumatically driven surgical tool by providing a redundant, backup pneumatic circuit for supplying the surgical tool with pneumatic pressure at a normal pressure.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a cover mounted on top of a manifold, the cover comprising an exhaust opening and an inner surface forming a space between the inner surface of the cover and an outer surface of the manifold, wherein the space is configured to receive pressurized gas at an inlet positioned on a first side of a valve. The valve is coupled to the outer surface of the manifold and positioned within the space. The exhaust opening is positioned on a second side of the valve opposite the first side of the valve such that pressurized gas circulates from the inlet around the valve and exits through the exhaust opening.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a cover mounted on top of a manifold, the cover comprising an exhaust opening and an inner surface forming a space between the inner surface of the cover and an outer surface of the manifold, wherein the space is configured to receive pressurized gas at an inlet positioned on a first side of a valve. The valve is coupled to the outer surface of the manifold and positioned within the space. The exhaust opening is positioned on a second side of the valve opposite the first side of the valve such that pressurized gas circulates from the inlet around the valve and exits through the exhaust opening.

Abstract: Control methods for generating a venturi vacuum in a substantially oscillation-free manner for a surgical system. The control methods generally include utilizing real-time readings from a venturi vacuum generator inlet pressure transducer and a vacuum pressure transducer on the vacuum side of the venturi vacuum generator. These values may be employed in real-time to ascertain the emergence of an oscillation region on the vacuum side which may then be addressed by way of a bleed control proportional valve. When employed in combination with a throttle control proportional valve at the inlet side of the venturi vacuum generator, pressures may be manipulated in light of one another and/or individually as directed through a central controller. Thus, the presentation of oscillations on the vacuum side may be avoided to provide for a more stable vacuum supported surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for active vibration reduction of a surgical microscope. The system includes a surgical microscope with an optical head connected to a control device that adjusts the position of the optical head in any of the X, Y, and Z-directions. The system also includes a processor and an accelerometer that detects motion of the optical head and generates data relating to the motion. The disclosure also provides a method for active vibration reduction, which includes receiving data relating to motion of an optical head of a surgical microscope, determining whether the motion is a vibration event or an intentional movement, determining a distance and direction the optical head must be adjusted to reduce the vibration caused by the motion detected, and generating and transmitting a control signal to adjust the position of the optical head to reduce the vibration of the vibration event.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a cover mounted on top of a manifold, the cover comprising an exhaust opening and an inner surface forming a space between the inner surface of the cover and an outer surface of the manifold, wherein the space is configured to receive pressurized gas at an inlet positioned on a first side of a valve. The valve is coupled to the outer surface of the manifold and positioned within the space. The exhaust opening is positioned on a second side of the valve opposite the first side of the valve such that pressurized gas circulates from the inlet around the valve and exits through the exhaust opening.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing the application of pulse width modulation (PWM) in a voltage signal for delivering a current in a valve used to alternatively deliver pressurized gas to and vent from chambers in a vitrectomy probe used to drive a cutter.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for enhancing the reliability of a pneumatically driven surgical tool by providing a redundant, backup pneumatic circuit for supplying the surgical tool with pneumatic pressure at a normal pressure.

Abstract: An auxiliary power supply device for a multiple-unit train is provided. A normally-open main contact of a three-phase isolation contactor is connected in series between a three-phase four-wire bus of a first unit and a three-phase four-wire bus of a second unit, and a coil of the three-phase isolation contactor is connected in series in a power supply circuit of the first unit and a power supply circuit of the second unit; a control circuit of the first unit controls the power supply circuit of the first unit to be energized when the three-phase four-wire bus of the first unit supplies power, to close the normally-open main contact; and the control circuit of the second unit controls the power supply circuit of the second unit to be energized when the three-phase four-wire bus of the second unit supplies power to close the normally-open main contact.

Abstract: An auxiliary power supply device for a multiple-unit train is provided. A normally-open main contact of a three-phase isolation contactor is connected in series between a three-phase four-wire bus of a first unit and a three-phase four-wire bus of a second unit, and a coil of the three-phase isolation contactor is connected in series in a power supply circuit of the first unit and a power supply circuit of the second unit; a control circuit of the first unit controls the power supply circuit of the first unit to be energized when the three-phase four-wire bus of the first unit supplies power, to close the normally-open main contact; and the control circuit of the second unit controls the power supply circuit of the second unit to be energized when the three-phase four-wire bus of the second unit supplies power to close the normally-open main contact.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for active vibration reduction of a surgical microscope. The system includes a surgical microscope with an optical head connected to a control device that adjusts the position of the optical head in any of the X, Y, and Z-directions. The system also includes a processor and an accelerometer that detects motion of the optical head and generates data relating to the motion. The disclosure also provides a method for active vibration reduction, which includes receiving data relating to motion of an optical head of a surgical microscope, determining whether the motion is a vibration event or an intentional movement, determining a distance and direction the optical head must be adjusted to reduce the vibration caused by the motion detected, and generating and transmitting a control signal to adjust the position of the optical head to reduce the vibration of the vibration event.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical console may include a pneumatic valve to drive a pneumatic tool coupled to the surgical console. The console may further include a controller operable to control and adjust the valve open/close cycle times according to a valve duty cycle. The valve may switch between ports (valve open time for a first port and valve close time for a second port) such that a total valve time may approximately equal the valve open time plus the valve close time. The valve duty cycle may indicate a percentage of the total valve time for the controller to signal the valve to open and may include an adjustment that corresponds to a signal timing of the open and/or closed valve positions that will result in open and closed operating pressures above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method is described for protecting photovoltaic cells. During the fabrication process, a photovoltaic cell can be received from a first processing station. The photovoltaic cell can have at least one exposed surface, which may include crystalline silicon or oxidized crystalline silicon. The photovoltaic cell can then be placed in a controlled microenvironment with controlled chemical content, which can protect the exposed surface of the photovoltaic cell from contamination. Subsequently, the photovoltaic cell can be moved toward and delivered to a second processing station in the controlled microenvironment.

Abstract: A method is described for protecting photovoltaic cells. During the fabrication process, a photovoltaic cell can be received from a first processing station. The photovoltaic cell can have at least one exposed surface, which may include crystalline silicon or oxidized crystalline silicon. The photovoltaic cell can then be placed in a controlled microenvironment with controlled chemical content, which can protect the exposed surface of the photovoltaic cell from contamination. Subsequently, the photovoltaic cell can be moved toward and delivered to a second processing station in the controlled microenvironment.

Abstract: A system is described for fabricating photovoltaic structures. The system can include a photovoltaic cell enclosure that communicatively couples a first processing station and a second processing station while providing a microenvironment for a plurality of photovoltaic cells. The microenvironment can be separated from a surrounding environment. Furthermore, a microenvironment controller can control density of at least one chemical that could contaminate or react with an oxide layer on a respective photovoltaic cell, thereby protecting the photovoltaic cell between processes.

Abstract: A method is described for protecting photovoltaic cells. During the fabrication process, a photovoltaic cell can be received from a first processing station. The photovoltaic cell can have at least one exposed surface, which may include crystalline silicon or oxidized crystalline silicon. The photovoltaic cell can then be placed in a controlled microenvironment with controlled chemical content, which can protect the exposed surface of the photovoltaic cell from contamination. Subsequently, the photovoltaic cell can be moved toward and delivered to a second processing station in the controlled microenvironment.