Abstract: A joint and a corresponding method of creating a precision-fit joint, including creating a mating surface on a first joint component so that the mating surface includes one or more interfering features, connecting a second joint component with the mating surface such that the interfering feature is compressed, and heating the mating surface above a glass transition temperature or melting temperature of the mating surface, or otherwise treating the surface, so as to induce flow of material from the interfering feature to a area of relatively low pressure between the first joint component and the second joint component.

Abstract: An articulating device for aiding a user, such as, a surgeon or other medical practitioner, in manipulating a hand-actuated articulating device by providing a powered force used for moving the device, thus reducing or eliminating the need for the user to provide all the force required to move the device. The articulating device includes an input device, which receives one or more user inputs to direct a slave portion to perform work. The articulating device further includes a control portion that assists in transferring user input to the slave portion, and that further provides power assistance to at least partially drive the slave portion, in combination with the user input received by the input device.

Abstract: A spool valve for controlling fluid communication among hydraulic cylinders operating control and slave portions of a surgical device. The spool valve may be used to disconnect the control and the slave portions from one another such that there is no fluid communication between the control and slave portions. The spool valve may be used to engage or allow fluid communication between the control and slave. The spool valve may also be used to allow fluid communication between the slave and control portion and a fluid reservoir, thus allowing the hydraulic system to replenish fluid lost to evaporation, leakage, or other escape. The spool valve includes a body portion having at least two ports and a spool having at least one passageway moveable to a position so as to communicate with the at least two ports.

Abstract: An MRI includes imaging coils. The MRI includes receiving coils. The MRI includes a controller in communication with the imaging coils and the receiving coils which controls the imaging coils and the receiving coils to sample k space associated with a patient in a pattern based on prior knowledge of k space data, and which reconstructs an image of the patient from the sampled k space. A method of an MRI includes the steps of acquiring preliminary k space data of a patient indicating the extent of k space data for all receiver channels using imaging and receiving coils. There is the step of determining with a controller which regions of signal associated with the k space are to be targeted by multiple acquisition blades of data with the imaging and receiver coils based on the preliminary k space. There is the step of sampling each of the regions determined by the controller with the blades to obtain k space data. There is the step of storing the k space data in a memory.

Abstract: A flexible wrist-type element and methods of operation thereof, including variations having an angularly moveable hub housing a rotatable and operable end effector driven via a drive train having one or more universal-type joints and/or other flexible couplings moveable via an input mechanism within a housing.

Abstract: An overforce mechanism comprising a driving assembly, a driven assembly, and a variably engageable coupling, shunts or dampens a motion of a control cylinder for a hydraulic device when that motion exceeds a predefined, unsafe threshold. The overforce mechanism avoids or reduces damage either to the device itself, to ancillary devices and/or to the patient. In an aspect, the variably engageable coupling may include a biasing mechanism and a coupling member, wherein the biasing mechanism automatically resets or releases upon reaching a force or tension threshold. Further, the overforce driven assembly may include an overforce rod that allows the force or motion to be channeled away from the source. The variably engageable coupling may comprise a dowel and spring mechanism that automatically resets with tension.

Abstract: A tool kit for interchanging tools within an at least partially closed area is provided. The tool kit includes at least one tool, each tool being preferably provided within a tubular housing, and adapted to pivot out from the tool kit so that they can be attached to a receiving tool. The tool is designed to be returned to the tool kit after use, and if desired, switched with a different tool. In one embodiment, a surgical system permitting surgical tools to be interchanged within a patient's body is provided. A method of interchanging surgical tools within a patient's body is also provided.

Abstract: A process and a system for assisting a clinician in identification and evaluation of perfusion characteristics of an organ are disclosed. The process and system may be used to extend clinical diagnosis capabilities by augmenting the ability to analyze perfusion images acquired from a radiology imaging modality through the use of the quantification technology as described. Classification of perfusion characteristics of a region of interest is facilitated through the use of a quantitative spatial perfusion characteristics map. The map is generated by a computing device which applies at least one physics-based image processing technique. This map is displayed on a clinician device for review by the clinician to assist in the spatial identification of perfusion abnormalities.

Abstract: An articulated surgical tool and method of use are provided. The articulated surgical tool may hold an instrument and a surgical tool and may provide both macro and micro motions in the instrument and/or surgical tool, including by hydraulic operation. The articulated surgical tool may be coupled to a control system, such that manipulation of the control system results in movement of instrument and/or surgical tool, thereby eliminating the need to manually hold and position the instrument and/or surgical tool.

Abstract: A positioning system is provided for use in remotely-controlled surgical procedures. Also provided are methods of manufacture and use of such a positioning system. The positioning system may hold an instrument, and may provide multiple degrees of freedom of movement to the instrument. The positioning system may be coupled to a control unit, such that manipulation of the control unit results in movement of the positioning mechanism, thereby eliminating the need to manually hold and position the instrument. According to some aspects, the positioning system may be hydraulically actuated.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for an object in change includes an MRI system having a first channel which produces images of the object using alternate lines of k-space applied along each of the two phase encoding directions and a computer which combines the individual images into a composite 3D image. The MRI system acquires alternate lines of temporally resolved data along each phase encoding direction. A method for imaging an object in change includes producing an individual image of the object with a first channel of an MRI system using alternate lines of k-space applied for each phase encoding direction, producing an individual image of the object with at least a second channel of the MRI system by acquiring alternate lines of temporally resolved data using alternate lines of k-space, and combining the individual images into a composite 3D image of the object with a computer of the MRI system.

Abstract: A method for achieving code domain isolation. A first set of data is received in a first domain format. The first set of data is changed to a second domain format. The first set of data in the second domain format is captured. The first set of data in the second domain format is changed to a third domain format. The first set of data in the third domain format is prepared for receipt by a user computer system.

Abstract: An MRI includes imaging coils. The MRI includes receiving coils. The MRI includes a controller causing the imaging coils to produce RF pulses at every repetition time so different parts of a patient are receiving excitation by RF pulses at different rates and k space data are acquired at each repetition time by the receiving coils to form images of the patient with the k space data. A method for an MRI includes the steps of causing with a controller imaging coils to produce RF pulses at every repetition time so different parts of a patient are receiving excitation by RF pulses at different rates. There is the step of acquiring k space data at each repetition time by receiving coils. There is the step of forming images of the patient with the k space data using approaches such as Fourier transformation or filtered back projection.

Abstract: A method for improved, automated analysis of a data set improves the reliability of the data set by comparing the data set with a model of similar data. The method may be used in applications such as medical imaging, clinical trial participant selection, marketing, security, traffic control, and other applications.

Abstract: A protective sheath including a first portion configured to receive a medical instrument. The protective sheath also includes a second portion configured to accommodate movement of a distal end of the medical instrument within the second portion. The second portion is moveably coupled to the first portion. The protective sheath is configured to control contamination of the medical instrument when the medical instrument and the protective sheath are placed within a patient.

Abstract: A protective sheath including a first portion configured to receive a medical instrument and a second portion configured to accommodate movement of a distal end of said medical instrument within the second portion. The second portion is movably coupled to the first portion. The protective sheath is configured to control contamination of the medical instrument when the medical instrument and the protective sheath are placed within a patient. The protective sheath also includes a tube configured to assist the medical instrument when the medical instrument and the protective sheath are placed within said patient. The tube is disposed along a length of the protective sheath.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imager performing images of a patient imager includes imaging coils. The imager includes receiver coils The imager includes a computer that causes the imaging coils to produce a first steady-state free precession excitation slab with respect to a first position regarding a target of the patient during a first repetition time, and a second steady-state free precession excitation slab with respect to a second position different from the first position regarding the target during a second repetition time; and forming a first 3-D dataset of the target associated with the first excitation slab and a second 3-D image dataset of the target associated with the second excitation slab from information received from the receiver coils. The first 3-D image dataset and the second 3-D image dataset, together defining a series of 3-D image datasets for each repetition time; and producing an image of the target from the series of 3-D image datasets. A method for analyzing a patient.

Abstract: A collet comprising a cylindrical body comprising a first end and a second end and an aperture coaxial within the cylindrical body. The aperture is configured for receiving a medical device and for securing the medical device by decreasing in diameter when pressure is applied to at least one of the first end and the second end of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A surgical device for remotely controlling an articulating surgical instrument comprises an articulating surgical instrument, a control portion, and a slave portion. The control portion is configured for receiving motion inputs in a plurality of degrees of freedom from a human shoulder, arm, and hand and translating the motion inputs into one or more control signals for controlling motion of the articulating surgical instrument. The control signals are generated within the control portion and wherein at least one of the control signals comprises displacement of hydraulic fluid. The slave portion is coupled between the control portion and the articulating surgical instrument. The control portion is configured for moving the articulating surgical instrument in response to the one or more control signals.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the rate of flow of fluid material through an injection molding flow channel leading to a gate of a mold cavity, the apparatus comprising: a pin having a longitudinal length being adapted for back and forth axial movement through the flow channel; the pin having a protrusion having a maximum diameter circumferential surface; the channel having an interior surface complementary to the maximum diameter circumferential surface of the protrusion; the pin being slidable to a position within the channel such that the maximum diameter circumferential surface of the protrusion forms a seal with the complementary interior surface portion of the channel to stop flow of the fluid material, an electrically powered actuator interconnected to and controllably driving the pin through the channel.