Abstract: Methods and systems include ways to implement change analysis of an automated production line including at least one robot. Monitoring a plurality of operating parameters associated with the automated production line including the at least one robot is followed by recording at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters. A notification is then provided identifying the at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters. The notification can include mapping the at least one change onto a graphical representation of the automated production line, thereby identifying a portion of the automated production line affected by the at least one change. As a result, at least one of the operating parameters can be adjusted in response to the notification. An action can also be performed in response to the notification. In this manner, the change analysis can optimize operation of the automated production line.

Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) system for visualizing and modifying robot operational zones. The system includes an AR device such as a headset in communication with a robot controller. The AR device includes software for the AR display and modification of the operational zones. The AR device is registered with the robot coordinate frame via detection of a visual marker. The AR device displays operational zones overlaid on real world images of the robot and existing fixtures, where the display is updated as the user moves around the robot work cell. Control points on the virtual operational zones are displayed and allow the user to reshape the operational zones. The robot can be operated during the AR session, running the robot's programmed motion and evaluating the operational zones. Zone violations are highlighted in the AR display. When zone definition is complete, the finalized operational zones are uploaded to the robot controller.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating the position of a machine having a stationary part to a stationary marker. The process first images the machine and the marker, and then identifies a visible part of the machine in the images that has been 3D modeled. The process then calculates a location of the stationary part of the machine using the modeled position of the visible part and the known kinematics and position of the machine. The process then identifies the stationary marker in the images, and establishes a relationship between the stationary marker and the stationary part of the machine, which can be used for calibration purposes. In one embodiment, the machine is a robot and the process is performed by an AR application.

Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) system for production-tuning of parameters for a visual tracking robotic picking system. The robotic picking system includes one or more robots configured to pick randomly-placed and randomly-oriented parts off a conveyor belt and place the parts in an available position, either on a second moving conveyor belt or on a stationary device such as a pallet. A visual tracking system identifies position and orientation of the parts on the feed conveyor. The AR system allows picking system tuning parameters including upstream, discard and downstream boundary locations to be visualized and controlled, real-time robot pick/place operations to be viewed with virtual boundaries, and system performance parameters such as part throughput rate and part allocation by robot to be viewed. The AR system also allows virtual parts to be used in simulations, either instead of or in addition to real parts.

Abstract: A method and system for calibration of an augmented reality (AR) device's position and orientation based on a robot's positional configuration. A conventional visual calibration target is not required for AR device calibration. Instead, the robot itself, in any pose, is used as a three dimensional (3D) calibration target. The AR system is provided with a CAD model of the entire robot to use as a reference frame, and 3D models of the individual robot arms are combined into a single object model based on joint positions known from the robot controller. The 3D surface model of the entire robot in the current pose is then used for visual calibration of the AR system by analyzing images from the AR device camera in comparison to the surface model of the robot in the current pose. The technique is applicable to initial AR device calibration and to ongoing device tracking.

Abstract: A system and method for harvesting autologous tissue, mincing it into fragments that are visible and measurable when filtered, and delivering a portion of the tissue back into the patient without the need to directly touch the tissue. During the same surgical procedure, the tissue can be mixed with a biocompatible agent before introduction into the repair site.

Abstract: A system and method for harvesting autologous tissue, mincing it into fragments that are visible and measureable when filtered, and delivering a portion of the tissue back into the patient without the need to directly touch the tissue. During the same surgical procedure, the tissue can be mixed with a biocompatible agent before introduction into the repair site.

Abstract: Methods and systems include ways to implement change analysis of an automated production line including at least one robot. Monitoring a plurality of operating parameters associated with the automated production line including the at least one robot is followed by recording at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters. A notification is then provided identifying the at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters. The notification can include mapping the at least one change onto a graphical representation of the automated production line, thereby identifying a portion of the automated production line affected by the at least one change. As a result, at least one of the operating parameters can be adjusted in response to the notification. An action can also be performed in response to the notification. In this manner, the change analysis can optimize operation of the automated production line.

Abstract: Methods and systems include ways to implement change analysis of an automated production line including at least one robot. Monitoring a plurality of operating parameters associated with the automated production line including the at least one robot followed by recording at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters. A notification is then provided identifying the at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters. The notification can include mapping the at least one change onto a graphical representation of the automated production line, thereby identifying a portion of the automated production line affected by the at least one change. As a result, at least one of the operating parameters can be adjusted in response to the notification. An action can also be performed in response to the notification. In this manner, the change analysis can optimize operation of the automated production line.

Abstract: A seat plate which maintains constant contact and load against the gate to keep sealing surfaces protected is disclosed. The seat plate has a dynamic seat function ie live-loaded to follow the gate surface during stroking and high temperature changes. The valve maintains a positive barrier between body steam chamber and process fluid through port. The valve uses an extended seat plates to maintain constant contact with gate in all positions such that all process is captured and not allowed to enter body chamber. The seat plate allows for sufficient axial seat travel upstream and downstream to balance sealing load on both sides of gate. In addition, an axial hard stop on each seat allowing upstream seat to maintain sealing contact with gate.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a first instrument defining a first channel and a second instrument receivable by the first channel. The second instrument defines a second channel. A valve coupled to the first instrument controls fluid flow through the first channel, such that impedance of fluid flow through the first channel is substantially the same without the second instrument received in the first channel and with the first channel partially blocked by the second instrument. In another aspect, a surgical apparatus includes an outer member and an inner member received within the outer member to define a first channel therebetween. The inner member houses an optical lens and defines a second channel for receiving a surgical instrument. The first and second channels are configured such that a pump having an inflow rate of up to about 0.7 L/min connected to the second channel can maintain fluid pressure inside an organ.

Abstract: A system and method for harvesting autologous tissue, mincing it into fragments that are visible and measureable when filtered, and delivering a portion of the tissue back into the patient without the need to directly touch the tissue. During the same surgical procedure, the tissue can be mixed with a biocompatible agent before introduction into the repair site.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating the position of a machine having a stationary part to a stationary marker. The process first images the machine and the marker, and then identifies a visible part of the machine in the images that has been 3D modeled. The process then calculates a location of the stationary part of the machine using the modeled position of the visible part and the known kinematics and position of the machine. The process then identifies the stationary marker in the images, and establishes a relationship between the stationary marker and the stationary part of the machine, which can be used for calibration purposes. In one embodiment, the machine is a robot and the process is performed by an AR application.

Abstract: A system and method for setting up an AR application that uses a plurality of markers so that accurate augmentations can be displayed anywhere a marker is visible. The method includes placing a plurality of markers throughout the workspace so that a plurality of pairs of two adjacent markers can be viewed in a field-of-view of an AR device. The method further includes determining a distance relationship between the two markers in all of the pairs of markers, and determining a distance relationship between all non-adjacent markers using the distance relationship between the two markers in all of the pairs of markers. The method also includes identifying a distance relationship between one of the plurality of markers and an augmentation in the workspace, and identifying a distance relationship between the other markers and the augmentation using the distance relationships between the adjacent markers and the non-adjacent markers.

Abstract: A seat plate which maintains constant contact and load against the gate to keep sealing surfaces protected is disclosed. The seat plate has a dynamic seat function ie live-loaded to follow the gate surface during stroking and high temperature changes. The valve maintains a positive barrier between body steam chamber and process fluid through port. The valve uses an extended seat plates to maintain constant contact with gate in all positions such that all process is captured and not allowed to enter body chamber. The seat plate allows for sufficient axial seat travel upstream and downstream to balance sealing load on both sides of gate.

Abstract: An one-piece integrated coke drum de-heading seat machined from a single forced metal block. The seat has bias members and expansion chambers stacked and aligned to increase the load force from about 250 PSI to over 850 PSI when activated by gasses.

Abstract: A system and method for harvesting autologous tissue, mincing it into fragments that are visible and measureable when filtered, and delivering a portion of the tissue back into the patient without the need to directly touch the tissue. During the same surgical procedure, the tissue can be mixed with a biocompatible agent before introduction into the repair site.

Abstract: A system and method for harvesting autologous tissue, mincing it into fragments that are visible and measureable when filtered, and delivering a portion of the tissue back into the patient without the need to directly touch the tissue. During the same surgical procedure, the tissue can be mixed with a biocompatible agent before introduction into the repair site.

Abstract: A system and method for harvesting autologous tissue, mincing it into fragments that are visible and measurable when filtered, and delivering a portion of the tissue back into the patient without the need to directly touch the tissue. During the same surgical procedure, the tissue can be mixed with a biocompatible agent before introduction into the repair site.

Abstract: A surgical system for controlling fluid pressure during a surgical procedure is provided. Example systems include an inflow pump coupled to a fluid source and defining an outlet port. An inflow cannula is coupled to the outlet port of the inflow pump and includes a barcode disposed thereon. An endoscope extends from a proximal end to a distal end and includes a shaft. A camera is coupled at the proximal end of the endoscope and provides visualization of a surgical site through the shaft and output a corresponding imagery signal. A pump control unit is coupled to the inflow pump and controls an outlet pressure of the inflow pump. A camera control unit is coupled to the camera and to the pump control unit and receives the imagery signal and decodes the barcode and conveys information indicative of a pressure loss across the inflow cannula to the pump control unit.