Abstract: Surgical systems and methods for generating a tool path. A manipulator is configured to support and move a surgical instrument. Controller(s) obtain data that defines a volume of tissue to be removed from a surgical site. The controller(s) operate the manipulator to move the surgical instrument to remove first portions of the volume and acquire data defining the first portions removed from the volume. The controller(s) identify, based on the volume and the acquired data, additional portions of the volume of tissue that require removal. The controller(s) generate a tool path that passes through the additional portions and operate the manipulator to move the surgical instrument along the tool path to remove the additional portions.

Abstract: A rotary hot foil stamping machine is provided for repeatedly stamping a foil image onto a continuous product web at a consistent interval along the length of the product web. The rotary hot foil stamping machine includes first and second die stations, each die station comprising a servo driven rotary die holder with at least one removable die attached thereto. Counter rolls are mounted adjacent each die holder such that the outer surfaces of the dies engage the counter rolls as the dies are rotated past the counter rolls. The die holders are driven at a constant speed such that said die surfaces engage the counter rolls simultaneously at regular timed intervals.

Abstract: A tracheostomy system having a neckplate, a tracheostomy tube having an end adapted for insertion into a patient's breathing passage and an end provided with a trach head for swivel connection to the neckplate and a connection mechanism for swivelly connecting the trach head to the neckplate without deformation of the trach head or neckplate and without thermal processing. The present invention also relates to a method for swivelly connecting a trach head to a neckplate without deformation of the trach head or neckplate and without thermal processing.

Abstract: A tracheostomy system having a neckplate, a tracheostomy tube having an end adapted for insertion into a patient's breathing passage and an end provided with a trach head for swivel connection to the neckplate and a connection mechanism for swivelly connecting the trach head to the neckplate without deformation of the trach head or neckplate and without thermal processing. The present invention also relates to a method for swivelly connecting a trach head to a neckplate without deformation of the trach head or neckplate and without thermal processing.

Abstract: A pressure control system is disclosed for closely regulating the pressure level of a controlled volume. The system comprises first and second sources, a throttled valve for controlling the flow rate of the fluid between each of the first and second pressure sources and the controlled volume, and a feedback control. The throttled valve comprises a rotationally mounted cam, a housing for receiving the cam and including a chamber, a first port coupled to the first pressure source, a second port coupled to the controlled volume, and a third port coupled to the second pressure source. The cam has first and second cam surface portions for defining corresponding first and second transfer functions of fluid flow through the first and second ports, respectively. First and second metering needles are associated with the first and third ports respectively for throttling the fluid flows therethrough. The first and second metering needles are disposed to engage respectively the first and second cam surface portions.