Abstract: An activity monitor for a modular software system, the system having a first software component for use in configuring operation of a second software component via a proxy and stub interface, the activity monitor comprising; an input arranged to monitor a first event associated with the first software component and a second event associated with the proxy; a processor arranged to compare the first and second events to a schedule of events to assess compliance with the schedule of events; and an output arranged to generate an error message in response to non-compliance with the schedule of events, the error message being for use in treating the error. A method of generating an activity monitor for monitoring operation of a modular software system.

Abstract: An interlock component for a software system may comprise an input for receiving an interaction request for a first system component and system data, a processor arranged to assess the interaction request and the system data relative to predefined system logic rules to determine if the interaction request satisfies the system logic rules, and an output arranged to output the interaction request to the first system component if the system logic rules are satisfied.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a personal lifting apparatus including an outer frame with a pair of opposing sides, each side including an upper handle, outer vertical support, and a foundation bar. There is an upper crossbar and a lower crossbar extending from one side and connecting to the opposing side. A motor assembly is situated atop the upper crossbar and a threaded rod extends from the upper crossbar to the lower crossbar. An inner frame includes a pair of tracks attached thereto, a seat assembly attached to the pair of tracks and a threaded slide coupler fixedly attached to the seat assembly. The seat is pliable material. The seat assembly is structured to ascend and descend within the outer frame via the slide coupler. It is structured to align with the floor in a first position and lift a seated user to a second position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a personal lifting apparatus including an outer frame with a pair of opposing sides, each side including an upper handle, outer vertical support, and a foundation bar. There is an upper crossbar and a lower crossbar extending from one side and connecting to the opposing side. A motor assembly is situated atop the upper crossbar and a threaded rod extends from the upper crossbar to the lower crossbar. An inner frame includes a pair of tracks attached thereto, a seat assembly attached to the pair of tracks and a threaded slide coupler fixedly attached to the seat assembly. The seat is pliable material. The seat assembly is structured to ascend and descend within the outer frame via the slide coupler. It is structured to align with the floor in a first position and lift a seated user to a second position.

Abstract: An interlock component for a software system may comprise an input for receiving an interaction request for a first system component and system data, a processor arranged to assess the interaction request and the system data relative to predefined system logic rules to determine if the interaction request satisfies the system logic rules, and an output arranged to output the interaction request to the first system component if the system logic rules are satisfied.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an interlock component for a software system. The interlock component may comprise an input for receiving an interaction request for a first system component and system data. The interlock component may comprise a processor arranged to assess the interaction request and the system data relative to predefined system logic rules to determine if the interaction request satisfies the system logic rules. The interlock component may comprise an output arranged to output the interaction request to the first system component in the event that the system logic rules are satisfied.

Abstract: A control system (10) having a hierarchical distributed architecture, the system (10) comprising: a plurality of nodes (12), each node (12) hosting one or more services (18) and a respective node agent (22); a communications bus providing communication between nodes (12); and a system agent (24) hosted on one of the plurality of nodes (12), the system agent (24) being configured to monitor a lifecycle state of the system (10); wherein each node agent (22) is configured to transmit data relating to a state of its respective node (12) and a respective state of the or each service (18) hosted on its respective node (12) to the system agent (24), thereby enabling the system agent (24) to monitor the lifecycle state of the system (10). A vehicle (46) comprising said control system (10).

Abstract: An activity monitor for a modular software system, the system having a first software component for use in configuring operation of a second software component via a proxy and stub interface, the activity monitor comprising; an input arranged to monitor a first event associated with the first software component and a second event associated with the proxy; a processor arranged to compare the first and second events to a schedule of events to assess compliance with the schedule of events; and an output arranged to generate an error message in response to non-compliance with the schedule of events, the error message being for use in treating the error. A method of generating an activity monitor for monitoring operation of a modular software system.

Abstract: An activity monitor for a modular software system, the system having a first software component for use in configuring operation of a second software component via a proxy and stub interface, the activity monitor comprising; an input arranged to monitor a first event associated with the first software component and a second event associated with the proxy; a processor arranged to compare the first and second events to a schedule of events to assess compliance with the schedule of events; and an output arranged to generate an error message in response to non-compliance with the schedule of events, the error message being for use in treating the error. A method of generating an activity monitor for monitoring operation of a modular software system.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for effecting thermal therapy using an in vivo probe includes positioning the probe in a volume in a patient, identifying an irregularly shaped three-dimensional region of interest and automatically applying thermal therapy to the region using the probe. Applying thermal therapy may include identifying a first emission level at a first rotational angle based in part on a depth of a radial portion of the region in the direction of probe emission, activating emission of the probe, causing rotation of the probe to a next rotational angle, identifying a next emission level at the next rotational angle based in part on a depth of a radial portion of the region in the direction of probe emission, activating emission to deliver therapeutic energy, and repeating rotation and emission until therapeutic energy has been delivered to the volume.

Abstract: An activity monitor for a modular software system, the system having a first software component for use in configuring operation of a second software component via a proxy and stub interface, the activity monitor comprising; an input arranged to monitor a first event associated with the first software component and a second event associated with the proxy; a processor arranged to compare the first and second events to a schedule of events to assess compliance with the schedule of events; and an output arranged to generate an error message in response to non-compliance with the schedule of events, the error message being for use in treating the error. A method of generating an activity monitor for monitoring operation of a modular software system.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a head fixation apparatus including a number of support posts, and a curved ring portion including a number of connectors configured to adjustably and releasably mount support posts on the lower ring portion, such that the support posts are selectively mounted to a subset of the connectors in a customized arrangement for a patient. The apparatus may include a ring mount configured for fixation to a platform, including a curved channel substantially matching a curvature of the curved ring portion, and a mount locking mechanism for locking the curved ring portion within the channel of the ring mount. The curved ring portion may be configured to rotate within the channel of the ring mount while the ring mount is fixed to the platform, an angular head position of the patient being selectably adjustable while the patient is laying on the platform.

Abstract: A control system (10) having a hierarchical distributed architecture, the system (10) comprising: a plurality of nodes (12), each node (12) hosting one or more services (18) and a respective node agent (22); a communications bus providing communication between nodes (12); and a system agent (24) hosted on one of the plurality of nodes (12), the system agent (24) being configured to monitor a lifecycle state of the system (10); wherein each node agent (22) is configured to transmit data relating to a state of its respective node (12) and a respective state of the or each service (18) hosted on its respective node (12) to the system agent (24), thereby enabling the system agent (24) to monitor the lifecycle state of the system (10). A vehicle (46) comprising said control system (10).

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an interlock component for a software system. The interlock component may comprise an input for receiving an interaction request for a first system component and system data. The interlock component may comprise a processor arranged to assess the interaction request and the system data relative to predefined system logic rules to determine if the interaction request satisfies the system logic rules. The interlock component may comprise an output arranged to output the interaction request to the first system component in the event that the system logic rules are satisfied.

Abstract: A variable length interstitial probe apparatus includes: a probe for effecting thermal therapy and/or cryotherapy to a tissue; a flexible umbilical sheath permanently affixed to the probe, including at least one interface for supplying energy, cooling fluid, cooling gas, heating fluid, and/or heating gas to the probe; and an adjustable depth stop configured to slide along a length of a shaft region of the probe, and lock to the shaft region at a selected position. The adjustable depth stop is configured to engage a probe driver and/or a skull mount apparatus to stabilize positioning of the probe and to control a depth of entry of the probe into a patient. The probe may be configured to effect temperature modulation therapy, where processing circuitry activates a modulation pattern of thermal therapy emission and cryogenic therapy emission for applying a thermal dose to the tissue.

Abstract: Image-guided therapy of a tissue can utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or another medical imaging device to guide an instrument within the tissue. A workstation can actuate movement of the instrument, and can actuate energy emission and/or cooling of the instrument to effect treatment to the tissue. The workstation and/or an user of the workstation can be located outside a vicinity of an MRI device or other medical imaging device, and drive means for positioning the instrument can be located within the vicinity of the MRI device or the other medical imaging device. The instrument can be an MRI compatible laser or high-intensity focused ultrasound probe that provides thermal therapy to, e.g., a tissue in a brain of a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing neurological intervention may include a cylindrical body including a tapered threaded portion that screws into a pre-drilled hole in a subject. Additionally, the apparatus may include a connector having a probe lock-screw that is disposed on the cylindrical body, at an end opposite to the tapered threaded portion. The connector may further include an opening to receive a probe. The probe may be inserted into a subject via the apparatus, and a depth of insertion of the probe within the subject may be adjusted by the probe lock-screw.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for effecting thermal therapy using an in vivo probe includes positioning the probe in a volume in a patient, identifying an irregularly shaped three-dimensional region of interest and automatically applying thermal therapy to the region using the probe. Applying thermal therapy may include identifying a first emission level at a first rotational angle based in part on a depth of a radial portion of the region in the direction of probe emission, activating emission of the probe, causing rotation of the probe to a next rotational angle, identifying a next emission level at the next rotational angle based in part on a depth of a radial portion of the region in the direction of probe emission, activating emission to deliver therapeutic energy, and repeating rotation and emission until therapeutic energy has been delivered to the volume.

Abstract: Image-guided therapy of a tissue can utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or another medical imaging device to guide an instrument within the tissue. A workstation can actuate movement of the instrument, and can actuate energy emission and/or cooling of the instrument to effect treatment to the tissue. The workstation and/or an operator of the workstation can be located outside a vicinity of an MRI device or other medical imaging device, and drive means for positioning the instrument can be located within the vicinity of the MRI device or the other medical imaging device. The instrument can be an MRI compatible laser or high-intensity focused ultrasound probe that provides thermal therapy to, e.g., a tissue in a brain of a patient.

Abstract: A drive system for controlling movement of an elongate member includes a base unit having a first rotatable knob and a second rotatable knob, a follower assembly including a follower slidably coupled to a guide rail, a longitudinal movement wire, and a rotational movement wire. The follower includes a longitudinal movement pulley, a rotational movement pulley, and an alignment element structured to receive an elongate member such that the elongate member is attachable thereto. The longitudinal movement wire operably couples the first rotatable knob to the longitudinal movement pulley such that rotation of the first knob drives the follower in a longitudinal direction along the guide rail. The rotational movement wire operably couples the second rotatable knob to the rotational movement pulley such that rotation of the second knob rotates the alignment element and attached elongate member.