Abstract: Tissue is examined with a device that includes one or more transducer elements, each of which generates a signal in response to force imposed on the transducer element in accordance with varying properties of an underlying tissue structure as the transducer element is pressed against and moved over the tissue. The tissue examination device further includes circuitry for detecting a variation in the signals as an indication of a composition of the underlying tissue structure.

Abstract: An automated surgical instrument for performing minimally-invasive surgery comprises a rigid cannula having a lumen for receiving a surgical tool at the distal end thereof. The tool can comprise a variety of linkage-operated tools, such as a grasper, clamp or scissor. The tool can also comprise an optical or gas channel. The cannula is supported on a ball-and-socket-type swivel assembly that pivots freely along orthogonal axes. The swivel is mounted on a movable arm assembly that extends and retracts. The arm assembly is mounted to a base that moves the arm assembly from side to side. Pivoting of the cannula occurs in response to movement of the arm assembly along the base and through extension and retraction of the arm.

Abstract: Sensing apparatus for remote sensing of quantities such as blood oxygen concentration using a phosphorescent material located at one end of an optical fiber. The phosphorescent material emits a relatively long-lived luminescence when exposed to energy in a predetermined wavelength range. The sensing apparatus includes a light source for generating an incident pulsed energy signal within the predetermined wavelength range and a detector subsystem for selectively detecting the long-lived luminescence from the phosphorescent material. The light source and the detector subsystem are coupled to the other end of the optical fiber along a common optical path. The detector subsystem includes dual channels for detecting a measuring wavelength and a reference wavelength in the long-lived luminescence. The detector subsystem is inhibited during the incident pulsed energy signal to provide low noise operation. The detected signals are integrated and averaged to improve accuracy.

Abstract: A blood donation unit in which a phlebotomy needle is coupled on one conduit to a source of anticoagulant contained in a flexible bag and on another conduit to a flexible collection bag. The anticoagulant bag and collection bag are placed in a chamber within which a vacuum is created, preferably by a hand pump operated by the donor. A rigid plate is disposed between the two bags. The blood flow from the donor is maintained at an adaquate flow level by the donor's pumping which provides a pressure differential between the bags and the needle. The whole blood is mixed with anticoagulant immediately after passing through the phlebotomy needle. The ratio of whole blood to anticoagulant is independent of the volume of whole blood collected and is fixed by the ratio of the surface areas of opposing bag surfaces at the interface with the plate.

Abstract: A blood donation unit in which a reduced outside diameter phlebotomy needle is employed to minimize donor discomfort. The blood flow if, however, maintained at a flow level similar to that obtained with standard gauge phlebotomy needles by a roller pump which provides a predetermined pressure differential between the ends of the phlebotomy needle. The blood is mixed with a predetermined ratio of anticoagulant immediately after passing through the phlebotomy needle. The ratio of whole blood to anticoagulant is independent of the volume of whole blood collected.