Abstract: A flexible instrument comprises a first link and a second link that each comprise a first end, a second end, and a wall extending between the first end and the second end, the wall comprising an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface; an outer ear extending in a first axial direction away from the first end of the link; an inner bearing surface defined at the first end of the link, the inner bearing surface extending between the outer ear and the inner wall surface; an inner ear extending in a second axial direction away from the second end of the link; and an outer bearing surface defined at the second end of the wall, the inner bearing surface extending between the inner ear and the outer wall surface. The instrument further comprises at least one of a position sensor and an orientation sensor located along the wall of the instrument.

Abstract: A medical instrument may comprise a plurality of links disposed in series along an axial direction. The plurality of links also may comprise a brake assembly comprise one or more first braking components coupled to a first link in the pair of adjacent links and one or more second braking components coupled to a second link in the pair of adjacent links. The one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components may have an interleaved arrangement with each other. The braking assembly may be actuatable between an engaged state and a disengaged state, wherein the one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components inhibit the pair of adjacent links from pivoting relative to one another in the engaged state of the brake assembly, and wherein the one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components permit the pair of adjacent links pivoting relative to one another in the disengaged state of the brake assembly.

Abstract: A medical instrument may comprise a plurality of links disposed in series along an axial direction. The plurality of links also may comprise a brake assembly comprise one or more first braking components coupled to a first link in the pair of adjacent links and one or more second braking components coupled to a second link in the pair of adjacent links. The one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components may have an interleaved arrangement with each other. The braking assembly may be actuatable between an engaged state and a disengaged state, wherein the one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components inhibit the pair of adjacent links from pivoting relative to one another in the engaged state of the brake assembly, and wherein the one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components permit the pair of adjacent links pivoting relative to one another in the disengaged state of the brake assembly.

Abstract: A flexible instrument comprises a first link and a second link that each comprise a first end, a second end, and a wall extending between the first end and the second end, the wall comprising an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface; an outer ear extending in a first axial direction away from the first end of the link; an inner bearing surface defined at the first end of the link, the inner bearing surface extending between the outer ear and the inner wall surface; an inner ear extending in a second axial direction away from the second end of the link; and an outer bearing surface defined at the second end of the wall, the inner bearing surface extending between the inner ear and the outer wall surface. The instrument further comprises at least one of a position sensor and an orientation sensor located along the wall of the instrument.

Abstract: A robotic link may include a link having an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, and a pair of outer hinge portions on a first end of the link. Each outer hinge portion may have an inner bearing surface positioned between the inner wall surface and an outer ear. The link may include a pair of inner hinge portions on a second end of the link. Each inner hinge portion may have an outer bearing surface positioned between the outer wall surface and an inner ear.

Abstract: A robotic link may include a link having an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, and a pair of outer hinge portions on a first end of the link. Each outer hinge portion may have an inner bearing surface positioned between the inner wall surface and an outer ear. The link may include a pair of inner hinge portions on a second end of the link. Each inner hinge portion may have an outer bearing surface positioned between the outer wall surface and an inner ear.

Abstract: A method may include articulating a first link and a second link relative to each other about a pair of outer hinge portions on a first end of a first link and in mating engagement with a pair of inner hinge portions on a second end of a second link. Each outer hinge portion comprises an outer ear extending in a first axial direction away from the first end of the first link, and an inner bearing surface substantially oriented in the first axial direction, and each inner hinge portion comprises an inner ear extending in a second axial direction away from the second end of the second link, and an outer bearing surface positioned oriented in the second axial direction. During the articulating, the outer bearing surfaces support the outer ears and the inner bearing surfaces support the inner ears.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing and controlling an elongate robotic instrument, or robotic endoscope, are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is a robotic link that can be easily manufactured and can withstand the forces related to use within a robotic instrument. Another feature is a joint on the link that increases compressive strength and minimizes stress between links. Yet another feature is an elongate robotic instrument that is constructed from a single type of link.

Abstract: A method may include articulating a first link and a second link relative to each other about a pair of outer hinge portions on a first end of a first link and in mating engagement with a pair of inner hinge portions on a second end of a second link. Each outer hinge portion comprises an outer ear extending in a first axial direction away from the first end of the first link, and an inner bearing surface substantially oriented in the first axial direction, and each inner hinge portion comprises an inner ear extending in a second axial direction away from the second end of the second link, and an outer bearing surface positioned oriented in the second axial direction. During the articulating, the outer bearing surfaces support the outer ears and the inner bearing surfaces support the inner ears.

Abstract: A sample preparation chamber for gas analysis that includes a heating element within is provided. The heating element is maintained at an elevated temperature, such that organic compounds that may be present in an input gas sample are removed via oxidation and/or thermal decomposition to provide a treated gas sample that is substantially free of organic contaminants. The treated gas sample may then be analyzed in a gas analysis instrument (e.g., an optical spectroscopic instrument, a mass spectrometer, etc.) to provide results that are free from interference due to organic contaminants. Preferably, the heating element is configured as a Ni—Cr wire. An important feature of this approach is that the heating element (and the rest of the sample preparation chamber) are not altered in operation to remove the organic compounds.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing and controlling an elongate robotic instrument, or robotic endoscope, are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is a robotic link that can be easily manufactured and can withstand the forces related to use within a robotic instrument. Another feature is a joint on the link that increases compressive strength and minimizes stress between links. Yet another feature is an elongate robotic instrument that is constructed from a single type of link.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing and controlling an elongate robotic instrument, or robotic endoscope, are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is a robotic link that can be easily manufactured and can withstand the forces related to use within a robotic instrument. Another feature is a joint on the link that increases compressive strength and minimizes stress between links. Yet another feature is an elongate robotic instrument that is constructed from a single type of link.

Abstract: An apparatus including a heat sink compatible with a rail, the heat sink including two engagement windows that align with a corresponding pair of rail engagement windows when the apparatus is positioned in the rail. A handle engaged with the heat sink, the handle to enable a retention position and a retraction position of the apparatus. A first latch and a second latch laterally opposed and positioned within a first cavity and a second cavity, respectively, of the heat sink.

Abstract: An optical communications adapter module is provided which includes a casing of a XENPAK-sized module and an optical communications board assembly positioned within the casing. The module also includes a first optical connector coupled to a second optical connector by fiber optics capable of communicating data between the first optical connector and the second optical connector where the first optical connector is coupled to a data transmission connector of the optical communications board assembly and the second optical connector is positioned at a face plate of the casing. The module also includes a third optical connector coupled to a fourth optical connector through fiber optics capable of transmitting data where the third optical connector is coupled to a data reception connector of the optical communications board assembly and the fourth optical connector is positioned at the face plate of the casing.

Abstract: An integrated circuit packages comprises a printed circuit board, a non-metal connector, and a metal casing. The printed circuit board includes a ground ring around the non-metal connector. The metal casing substantially encloses the printed circuit board, and has an opening that allows access to the non-metal connector. The metal casing has a metal lip that makes physical and electrical contact with the ground ring of the printed circuit board. The metal casing may be used to help reduce EMI from a transmitter.

Abstract: An optical communications adapter module is provided which includes a XENPAK-sized casing and an optical communications board assembly positioned in the casing where the optical communications board assembly has an optical transmission connector and an optical reception connector. The optical transmission connector and the optical reception connector are positioned in connector openings at a first end of the XENPAK-sized casing. The module further includes a board extender coupled to the optical communications board assembly where the board extender is capable of communicating data between the optical communications board assembly and a client computing device.

Abstract: An integrated circuit packages comprises a printed circuit board, a non-metal connector, and a metal casing. The printed circuit board includes a ground ring around the non-metal connector. The metal casing substantially encloses the printed circuit board, and has an opening that allows access to the non-metal connector. The metal casing has a metal lip that makes physical and electrical contact with the ground ring of the printed circuit board. The metal casing may be used to help reduce EMI from a transmitter.

Abstract: RF emission may be reduced by providing grounding strips between optical transmitter and receiver modules in an optical transceiver package. The grounding strips includes an upper portion to fit over a top of the module, a transition portion to span a distance between the top of the module and the board, and a lower portion in electrical connection with a grounding pad on the board. The grounding strip may be substantially as wide as the module that it covers. Angled tabs may be provided to fit within registration holes in the ground pad. The grounding strip may be press-fitted onto the module or soldered. The low impedance ground strip increases the connectivity of the optical module to the board and may replace grounding leads to the external housing to reduce RF emissions.

Abstract: A processing system and method for processing a workpiece is generally provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a processing module and a substrate transfer shuttle. The processing module includes a polishing surface and at least one polishing head disposed above the polishing surface. The substrate transfer shuttle is movable between at least a first position and a second position where the second position is disposed adjacent the polishing head. At least one nest is disposed therein to receive and align the substrate. The nest also facilitates transfer of the workpiece to the processing head.

Abstract: An integrated circuit packages comprises a printed circuit board, a non-metal connector, and a metal casing. The printed circuit board includes a ground ring around the non-metal connector. The metal casing substantially encloses the printed circuit board, and has an opening that allows access to the non-metal connector. The metal casing has a metal lip that makes physical and electrical contact with the ground ring of the printed circuit board. The metal casing may be used to help reduce EMI from a transmitter.