Abstract: Robotic surgical systems and methods for using both laparoscopic and trans-cervical tools and imaging devices to resect fibroids or other abnormal uterine tissue.

Abstract: There is provided a transmission X-ray diffraction (XRD) apparatus, the transmission XRD apparatus including an X-ray source for generating a direct X-ray beam; sample holder for receiving the sample, the sample being positioned to receive the direct X-ray beam when held by the sample holder; a detector for receiving X-rays transmitted through the sample and outputting an X-ray diffraction pattern therefrom; and an optical element positioned between the X-ray source and the detector, the optical element including a Montel optic and a secondary pin-hole collimator collectively adapted to focus the direct X-ray beam on the detector, wherein a ratio between a dimension of the direct X-ray beam projected on the detector and a sample-to-detector distance is equal or smaller than 1/570. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for a cloud-based or other computing-based system for utilizing statistical distribution patterns derived from ball flight data collected from golf simulators or launch monitors to generate and provide one or more shot recommendations to a user during play. Such a system may analyze a player's personal shot history and statistical tendencies with each club and calculate or otherwise determine the probability of hitting various areas on the course, including target areas of the course such as fairways and greens, as well as penalty areas like bunkers and water hazards. The invention provides real-time, personalized club and aim recommendations, optimizing shot selection based on data rather than guesswork. The system may include a mobile device in communication with a cloud-based computing system for providing the determined recommendations.

Abstract: Robotic surgical systems and methods for using both laparoscopic and trans-cervical tools and imaging devices to resect fibroids or other abnormal uterine tissue.

Abstract: There is provided sample analysis cartridges comprising a housing defining a reaction chamber configured to receive a sample, a dry reagent storage chamber, and a fluid reagent storage chamber, and a reagent supply mechanism for selectively supplying reagent from the dry and fluid storage chambers during an analysis, wherein the dry reagent storage chamber comprises a liner formed from a material having a lower fluid permeability than the material from which the housing is formed.

Abstract: There is provided a transmission X-ray diffraction (XRD) apparatus, the transmission XRD apparatus including an X-ray source for generating a direct X-ray beam; sample holder for receiving the sample, the sample being positioned to receive the direct X-ray beam when held by the sample holder; a detector for receiving X-rays transmitted through the sample and outputting an X-ray diffraction pattern therefrom; and an optical element positioned between the X-ray source and the detector, the optical element including a Montel optic and a secondary pin-hole collimator collectively adapted to focus the direct X-ray beam on the detector, wherein a ratio between a dimension of the direct X-ray beam projected on the detector and a sample-to-detector distance is equal or smaller than 1/570. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Described are swivel systems and swivel assemblies for connecting a vacuum appliance to a vacuum accessory. The assembly can be adapted to be coupled to the accessory to permit the appliance to pivot relative to the accessory offset from a center of the accessory. The swivel system can include a vacuum adapter and a connector adapted to permit the vacuum adapter to pivot about a vacuum accessory. A plenum chamber can be formed in the adapter that is in fluid communication with one or more vacuum hoses to balance the airflow within the adapter.

Abstract: Described are swivel systems and swivel assemblies for connecting a vacuum appliance to a vacuum accessory. The assembly can be adapted to be coupled to the accessory to permit the appliance to pivot relative to the accessory offset from a center of the accessory. The swivel system can include a vacuum adapter and a connector adapted to permit the vacuum adapter to pivot about a vacuum accessory. A plenum chamber can be formed in the adapter that is in fluid communication with one or more vacuum hoses to balance the airflow within the adapter.

Abstract: One variation of a system for cooking food includes: a griddle module including a lower plate configured to receive a food product and an upper plate arranged over the lower plate and configured to contact the food product; a set of induction stations, each induction station including a lower coil configured to inductively couple to the lower plate when the griddle module is arranged in the induction station and an upper coil configured to inductively couple to the upper plate when the griddle module is arranged in the induction station; a hub configured to support the lower plate and the upper plate between the upper and lower coils of the induction stations and to sequentially position the griddle module through the set of induction stations; and a controller configured to drive the upper and lower coils to heat the food product between the lower plate and the upper plate.

Abstract: A saw grinding apparatus comprises a saw blade mount for mounting a saw blade thereto; a tool rack comprising multiple tool bays each for storing a grinding tool; and at least one computer numerically controlled (CNC) multiple axes grind wheel manipulator which uses each grinding tool to perform a saw grinding operation. The manipulator includes a spindle connectable to a grinding tool and is movable to a grinding position wherein a grinding operation can be performed on a saw blade mounted to the saw blade mount. The manipulator is also movable to a tool change position wherein the spindle can engage a grinding tool stored in a tool bay and can deposit a grinding tool in an empty tool bay.

Abstract: A saw grinding apparatus comprises a saw blade mount for mounting a saw blade thereto; a tool rack comprising multiple tool bays each for storing a grinding tool; and at least one computer numerically controlled (CNC) multiple axes grind wheel manipulator which uses each grinding tool to perform a saw grinding operation. The manipulator includes a spindle connectable to a grinding tool and is movable to a grinding position wherein a grinding operation can be performed on a saw blade mounted to the saw blade mount. The manipulator is also movable to a tool change position wherein the spindle can engage a grinding tool stored in a tool bay and can deposit a grinding tool in an empty tool bay.

Abstract: A water heater apparatus includes an inner tank, an outer tank, heat bands disposed on the outside of the outer tank, an interior coil supplying water to the inner tank, and a heating element for heating water in the inner tank. The inner tank and outer tank are concentrically arranged with a labyrinthine passage in between, so that water spends an additional amount of time flowing in the passage while it is being heated by the heat supplied from the band heaters. The water heater apparatus can thereby provide heated water ready for delivery, as well as maintaining a start up heat.

Abstract: Improved robotic surgery end-effectors include at least one insulation material for inhibiting surface conduction of electrical current in a proximal direction, from a distal active electrode toward the proximal end of the end-effector and toward the rest of the surgical instrument itself. Some embodiments include two layers of insulation to further prevent proximally-directed current. By inhibiting proximal current flow, the end-effectors prevent unwanted patient burns as well as electricity-related wear and tear in and around the area where the end-effector is coupled with the rest of the surgical instrument. In various embodiments, such end-effectors are preferably removably coupleable with a robotic surgical instrument.

Abstract: Improved robotic surgery end-effectors include at least one insulation material for inhibiting surface conduction of electrical current in a proximal direction, from a distal active electrode toward the proximal end of the end-effector and toward the rest of the surgical instrument itself. Some embodiments include two layers of insulation to further prevent proximally-directed current. By inhibiting proximal current flow, the end-effectors prevent unwanted patient burns as well as electricity-related wear and tear in and around the area where the end-effector is coupled with the rest of the surgical instrument. In various embodiments, such end-effectors are preferably removably coupleable with a robotic surgical instrument.

Abstract: A system updates a remote (server) database in a network. The network comprises a global server coupled to a local client and to a remote client. The local client includes a browser for establishing a communications link with a web server on the global server. The global server has server database memory for storing independently modifiable copies of workspace data maintained by personal information managers (PIMS) or other data stores on the local client and has PIM Downloadables for interfacing with these PIMs. The local client requests synchronization capability for a particular PIM. The global server sends a PIM Downloadable corresponding to the particular PIM to the local client, which installs and initiates execution of the PIM Downloadable. Accordingly, a user interface receives information designating a database containing the workspace data to be synchronized and information selecting a synchronization mode such as one-way replace, one-way merge or two-way synchronize.