Abstract: The invention relates to a curved spherical scissors linkage mechanism (1) comprising at least four linkage elements (2) each having a first end (3) and a second end (4); the linkage elements are arranged to form sides of one rhombus or parallelogram, or a series, such as a network, of joined rhombi or parallelograms. Each of the linkage elements is rotationally connected to one of the other linkage elements via a revolute joint (5) at or near the first end and is rotationally connected to another one of the other linkage elements via another revolute joint at or near the second end. The linkage elements are shaped, dimensioned and arranged so that the axes of all the revolute joints coincide at one common remote centre of motion (RCM). Furthermore, the mechanism is grounded or connected or connectable to a first external member (7) at a proximal end and is rotationally connected or connectable to a second external member (9) at an opposite distal end.

Abstract: A curved scissor linkage mechanism (1) includes at least four linkage elements (2) each having a first end (3) and a second end (4). The linkage elements are arranged to form sides of one or more rhombi or parallelograms. Each linkage element is rotationally connected to another linkage elements via a revolute joint (5) at the first end and is rotationally connected to another one of the other linkage elements via another revolute joint at the second end. The linkage elements are configured so that the axes of each joint coincide at one common remote centre of motion. The mechanism is connectable to a first external member (7) at a proximal end and is rotationally connectable to a second external member (9) at an opposite distal end to obtain three DOFs. The scissor linkage mechanism may further include a motion controlling mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a curved spherical scissors linkage mechanism (1) comprising at least four linkage elements (2) each having a first end (3) and a second end (4); the linkage elements are arranged to form sides of one rhombus or parallelogram, or a series, such as a network, of joined rhombi or parallelograms. Each of the linkage elements is rotationally connected to one of the other linkage elements via a revolute joint (5) at or near the first end and is rotationally connected to another one of the other linkage elements via another revolute joint at or near the second end. The linkage elements are shaped, dimensioned and arranged so that the axes of all the revolute joints coincide at one common remote centre of motion (RCM). Furthermore, the mechanism is grounded or connected or connectable to a first external member (7) at a proximal end and is rotationally connected or connectable to a second external member (9) at an opposite distal end.

Abstract: Systems and methods of monitoring a condition of a pump. One or more characteristics of a fluid flow of a fluid is monitored in a flow path of the pump to determine a fluid leakage flow rate. The fluid leakage flow rate is compared to a nominal flow rate for the pump. The pump efficiency for the pump is determined based on the comparison of the fluid leakage flow rate to the nominal flow rate. The pump efficiency is compared to a pump efficiency threshold and the condition of the pump determined based on the comparison.

Abstract: A curved scissor linkage mechanism (1) includes at least four linkage elements (2) each having a first end (3) and a second end (4). The linkage elements are arranged to form sides of one or more rhombi or parallelograms. Each linkage element is rotationally connected to another linkage elements via a revolute joint (5) at the first end and is rotationally connected to another one of the other linkage elements via another revolute joint at the second end. The linkage elements are configured so that the axes of each joint coincide at one common remote centre of motion. The mechanism is connectable to a first external member (7) at a proximal end and is rotationally connectable to a second external member (9) at an opposite distal end to obtain three DOFs. The scissor linkage mechanism may further include a motion controlling mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods of monitoring a condition of a pump. One or more characteristics of a fluid flow of a fluid is monitored in a flow path of the pump to determine a fluid leakage flow rate. The fluid leakage flow rate is compared to a nominal flow rate for the pump. The pump efficiency for the pump is determined based on the comparison of the fluid leakage flow rate to the nominal flow rate. The pump efficiency is compared to a pump efficiency threshold and the condition of the pump determined based on the comparison.

Abstract: Systems and methods determine a pump efficiency of a fluid pump. A characteristic of fluid flow of a fluid is monitored at a first point and at a second point on a flow path of the fluid pump. Fluid leakage that is a difference in the characteristic of the fluid flow at the first point and the second point is determined. The fluid leakage is compared to a nominal fluid flow for the fluid pump. The pump efficiency for the fluid pump is generated based on the comparison of the fluid leakage to the nominal fluid flow. The pump efficiency is an indicator as to an amount of fluid leakage that is leaked from the flow path as compared to the amount of fluid leakage when operating with the minimal amount of fluid leakage.

Abstract: A pump monitoring device is configured to be connected to a case drain of a pump. The device includes a manifold having an inlet for connection to the case drain. A flow rate sensor generates a signal indicative of a flow rate of fluid in a fluid path. The flow rate sensor includes a temperature sensor, a heater, and a sensor barrel. The heater heats the sensor barrel while in fluid communication with the fluid. A pressure sensor generates a signal indicative of a pressure of the fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods determine a pump efficiency of a fluid pump. A characteristic of fluid flow of a fluid is monitored at a first point and at a second point on a flow path of the fluid pump. Fluid leakage that is a difference in the characteristic of the fluid flow at the first point and the second point is determined. The fluid leakage is compared to a nominal fluid flow for the fluid pump. The pump efficiency for the fluid pump is generated based on the comparison of the fluid leakage to the nominal fluid flow. The pump efficiency is an indicator as to an amount of fluid leakage that is leaked from the flow path as compared to the amount of fluid leakage when operating with the minimal amount of fluid leakage.

Abstract: A pump monitoring device is configured to be connected to a case drain of a pump. The device includes a manifold having an inlet for connection to the case drain. A flow rate sensor generates a signal indicative of a flow rate of fluid in a fluid path. The flow rate sensor includes a temperature sensor, a heater, and a sensor barrel. The heater heats the sensor barrel while in fluid communication with the fluid. A pressure sensor generates a signal indicative of a pressure of the fluid.

Abstract: A pump monitoring device is configured to be connected to a case drain of a pump. The device includes a manifold having an inlet for connection to the case drain. A flow rate sensor generates a signal indicative of a flow rate of fluid in a fluid path. The flow rate sensor includes a temperature sensor, a heater, and a sensor barrel. The heater heats the sensor barrel while in fluid communication with the fluid. A pressure sensor generates a signal indicative of a pressure of the fluid. There is at least one fault indicator operatively coupled to at least one of the flow rate sensor, the temperature sensor, and the pressure sensor. The fault indicator provides a human perceptible indication that at least one of a sensed flow rate, a sensed temperature, or a sensed pressure of the fluid flowing in the fluid path exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A pump monitoring device is configured to be connected to a case drain of a pump. The device includes a manifold having an inlet for connection to the case drain. A flow rate sensor generates a signal indicative of a flow rate of fluid in a fluid path. The flow rate sensor includes a temperature sensor, a heater, and a sensor barrel. The heater heats the sensor barrel while in fluid communication with the fluid. A pressure sensor generates a signal indicative of a pressure of the fluid. There is at least one fault indicator operatively coupled to at least one of the flow rate sensor, the temperature sensor, and the pressure sensor. The fault indicator provides a human perceptible indication that at least one of a sensed flow rate, a sensed temperature, or a sensed pressure of the fluid flowing in the fluid path exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A pump monitoring device is configured to be connected to a case drain of a pump. The device includes a manifold having an inlet for connection to the case drain. A flow rate sensor generates a signal indicative of a flow rate of fluid in a fluid path. The flow rate sensor includes a temperature sensor, a heater, and a sensor barrel. The heater heats the sensor barrel while in fluid communication with the fluid. A pressure sensor generates a signal indicative of a pressure of the fluid. There is at least one fault indicator operatively coupled to at least one of the flow rate sensor, the temperature sensor, and the pressure sensor. The fault indicator provides a human perceptible indication that at least one of a sensed flow rate, a sensed temperature, or a sensed pressure of the fluid flowing in the fluid path exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: Novel methods and imaging agents for functional imaging of lymph structures are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the methods utilize highly sensitive optical imaging and fluorescent spectroscopy techniques to track or monitor packets of organic dye flowing in one or more lymphatic structures. The packets of organic dye may be tracked to provide quantitative information regarding lymph propulsion and function. In particular, lymph flow velocity and pulse frequency may be determined using the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Novel methods and imaging agents for functional imaging of lymph structures are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the methods utilize highly sensitive optical imaging and fluorescent spectroscopy techniques to track or monitor packets of organic dye flowing in one or more lymphatic structures. The packets of organic dye may be tracked to provide quantitative information regarding lymph propulsion and function. In particular, lymph flow velocity and pulse frequency may be determined using the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using a wavelength as an address in an optical network are disclosed. In particular, methods for selecting a wavelength for a particular node in an optical network, resolving a wavelength for a destination node in an optical network from a network address, and receiving and transmitting data packets at particular wavelengths are disclosed. A resulting system implementing such methods may significantly reduce space, weight and power measurements while transferring data at high rates for a data network.

Abstract: A multiple cable connector for use with multiple remote control devices requiring multi-poled contact connectors for each device. The connector of the invention allows for control of multiple parallel or independent devices to reduce the number of control cables required back to a central controller. Each connector is provided with a multi-pole control unit with a remote pass through interface connector head between a single female connector and associated male contact device.

Abstract: A differential pressure control switch system for use in determining the relative position of a piston in a pneumatic cylinder in relation to a pre-set threshold pressure sensing by the differential in the supply side and exhaust side of a double acting pneumatic cylinder and a four-way directional control valve associated therewith.

Abstract: A condensate removal device for capturing, measuring and removing condensate from a fluid system having air or gas under pressure. The device purges only condensate on demand without loss of relative pressure inherent within the system. A differential pressure sensor senses the low and high level of condensate in a condensate collection reservoir activating a diaphragm type discharge valve venting condensate from the reservoir. Once condensate levels fall below a pre-determined level within the reservoir the valve is closed awaiting accumulation of additional condensate before cycling again.