Abstract: Surgical systems for use in surgical procedures utilizing robotic devices. The surgical system having one or more components for housing a sensor or one or more tools for anchor or sensor delivery. The surgical system may include a surgical sensor anchor and/or a surgical sensor anchor delivery tool. A method of performing a robotically assisted surgical procedure, comprising using a surgical sensor anchor during a surgical procedure which utilizes a robot to track movement of at least one portion of a body structure undergoing a surgical procedure or to track movement of a body structure near a surgical site.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, system and method for providing robotically assisted surgery that involves the removal of bone or non-fibrous type tissues during a surgical procedure, in particular with assistance from real-time ultrasound images from an ultrasound probe. The system utilizes a multi-axis robot having a reciprocating tool that is constructed and arranged to remove hard or non-fibrous tissues while leaving soft tissues unharmed. The multi-axis robot may be controlled via computer or telemanipulator, which allows the surgeon to complete a surgery from an area adjacent to the patient to thousands of miles away.

Abstract: An inductive power supply system includes a non-contact power supply for energizing a device. The inductive power supply system includes a communication system for enabling communication between a device and the system. The device transmits an identifier to the system. If the device does not have a transmitter, the system attempts to determine the type of device from a characterization of the power consumption by the device. If the device cannot be characterized, the inductive power supply system can be operated manually.

Abstract: An inductive power supply system includes a non-contact power supply for energizing a device. The inductive power supply system includes a communication system for enabling communication between a device and the system. The device transmits an identifier to the system. If the device does not have a transmitter, the system attempts to determine the type of device from a characterization of the power consumption by the device. If the device cannot be characterized, the inductive power supply system can be operated manually.

Abstract: An inductive power supply system includes a non-contact power supply for energizing a device. The inductive power supply system includes a communication system for enabling communication between a device and the system. The device transmits an identifier to the system. If the device does not have a transmitter, the system attempts to determine the type of device from a characterization of the power consumption by the device. If the device cannot be characterized, the inductive power supply system can be operated manually.

Abstract: A charging system for an electric vehicle that assists in aligning a primary charging coil and a secondary coil. The system may include a wheel chock that raises the primary coil into alignment with the secondary coil when a tire enters the wheel chock. The system may include a primary that is recessed below the surface supporting the vehicle and is protected by a cover. The secondary coil may be protected and supported by a skid plate mounted to the vehicle. The system may include a charging circuit that is controlled by signals transmitted by a garage door opener transmitter or a garage door opener. The system may include sensors that detect the presence of an animal or object in the space between the primary coil and the secondary coil.

Abstract: An inductive charging system for recharging a battery. The system includes a charger circuit and a secondary circuit. The secondary circuit includes a feedback mechanism to provide feedback to the charger circuit through the inductive coupling of the primary coil and the secondary coil. The charger circuit includes a frequency control mechanism for controlling the frequency of the power applied to the primary coil at least partly in response to the feedback from the feedback mechanism.

Abstract: An inductive charging system for recharging a battery. The system includes a charger circuit and a secondary circuit. The secondary circuit includes a feedback mechanism to provide feedback to the charger circuit through the inductive coupling of the primary coil and the secondary coil. The charger circuit includes a frequency control mechanism for controlling the frequency of the power applied to the primary coil at least partly in response to the feedback from the feedback mechanism.

Abstract: An inductive charging system for recharging a battery. The system includes a charger circuit and a secondary circuit. The secondary circuit includes a feedback mechanism to provide feedback to the charger circuit through the inductive coupling of the primary coil and the secondary coil. The charger circuit includes a frequency control mechanism for controlling the frequency of the power applied to the primary coil at least partly in response to the feedback from the feedback mechanism.

Abstract: A food preparation system includes a non-contact power supply for energizing a cooking appliance. The food preparation system includes a communication system for enabling communication between a food appliance and the system. The appliance transmits an identifier to the system. If the appliance does not have a transmitter, the system attempts to determine the type of appliance from a characterization of the power consumption by the appliance. If the appliance cannot be characterized, the food preparation system can be operated manually.

Abstract: An inductive charging system for recharging a battery. The system includes a charger circuit and a secondary circuit. The secondary circuit includes a feedback mechanism to provide feedback to the charger circuit through the inductive coupling of the primary coil and the secondary coil. The charger circuit includes a frequency control mechanism for controlling the frequency of the power applied to the primary coil at least partly in response to the feedback from the feedback mechanism.

Abstract: A charging system for an electric vehicle that assists in aligning a primary charging coil and a secondary coil. The system may include a wheel chock that raises the primary coil into alignment with the secondary coil when a tire enters the wheel chock. The system may include a primary that is recessed below the surface supporting the vehicle and is protected by a cover. The secondary coil may be protected and supported by a skid plate mounted to the vehicle. The system may include a charging circuit that is controlled by signals transmitted by a garage door opener transmitter or a garage door opener. The system may include sensors that detect the presence of an animal or object in the space between the primary coil and the secondary coil.

Abstract: An inductive power supply includes a transceiver for sending information between the remote device and the inductive power supply. The remote device determines the actual voltage and then sends a command to the inductive power supply to change the operating frequency if the actual voltage is different from the desired voltage. In order to determine the actual voltage, the remote device determines a peak voltage and then applies a correction factor.

Abstract: A food preparation system includes a non-contact power supply for energizing a cooking appliance. The food preparation system includes a communication system for enabling communication between a food appliance and the system. The appliance transmits an identifier to the system. If the appliance does not have a transmitter, the system attempts to determine the type of appliance from a characterization of the power consumption by the appliance. If the appliance cannot be characterized, the food preparation system can be operated manually.

Abstract: A power supply for inductively powering a remote device has an inverter operating at an operating frequency and a primary coil. A phase comparator compares the phase of the voltage or current delivered by the power supply. If the phase relationship detected by the comparator is unacceptable, the inverter is disabled. After a period of time, the inverter is re-enabled, and the phase relationship is again determined.

Abstract: A food preparation system includes a non-contact power supply for energizing a cooking appliance. The food preparation system includes a communication system for enabling communication between a food appliance and the system. The appliance transmits an identifier to the system. If the appliance does not have a transmitter, the system attempts to determine the type of appliance from a characterization of the power consumption by the appliance. If the appliance cannot be characterized, the food preparation system can be operated manually.

Abstract: A hydro-power generation system for use in conjunction with a water treatment system is disclosed. The embodiments of the hydro-power generation system include an impeller rotatably positioned in a housing. The impeller is rotatably coupled with a generator. When water flows through the water treatment system, water flows to the hydro-power generation system and acts on the impeller causing rotation thereof. The rotation of the impeller results in the generation of electricity for the water treatment system by the generator. Other embodiments of the hydro-power generation system include a rotor rotatably positioned in a conduit through which water flows. The flowing water causes the rotor to rotate. The rotor operatively cooperates with a surrounding stator. As the rotor rotates within the stator electricity is generated for the water treatment system.

Abstract: A liquid flow rate detector adapted for detecting whether a rate of flow for liquid flowing through a conduit is above or below a generally predetermined liquid flow rate, and for developing different control signals in response to detecting flow rates above and below that generally predetermined liquid flow rate.

Abstract: A computer activation device comprised of at least one local computer system and at least one remote computer system, the computer systems are connected via a standard data communication interface by their own modems. An activator device is in electrical communication with the data communication interfaces of the local and remote computer systems, such that the activator device controls the application of operative power to the local computer system on receipt and recognition of a secure coded signal from the data communication interface of the remote computer system.

Abstract: A modular monitoring and control system is provided for an agricultural machine such as a combine. The system includes an executive processing unit which is capable of cooperating with one or more monitoring and/or control modules, which module may be added to or deleted from the system for performing monitoring and control functions as desired by a particular operator. Conveniently, a video display unit provides alphanumeric display information to the operator regarding both the monitored and controlled functions of the combine machine as well as instructional messages for purposes of calibrating the monitoring and control system for operation with a particular combine. Moreover, the operator may select for a display in alphanumeric form suitable instructional information regarding any malfunctions of the combine and counter during operation and instructions for the correction thereof.