Abstract: Implementations relate to configuration of wireless communication signals between devices. In some implementations, a method includes determining a transmission scenario associated with transmission of wireless signals of a particular wireless communication protocol from a first device to a second device. The transmission scenario specifies one or more transmission characteristics for the signal transmission. A test message is sent wirelessly from the first device to the second device according to the transmission scenario, and a reply message is received from the second device in response to test message. The reply message includes one or more signal quality indicators that indicate a signal quality of the test message. The transmission scenario is selected as a designated scenario based on the signal quality indicators, and data is wirelessly transmitted from the first device to the second device according to the designated scenario.

Abstract: A medical guidance apparatus (100) includes a base assembly (110) configured to be attached to a subject and a guide (150) configured to be removably mated with the base assembly (110). The base assembly (110) has an opening (160), and the guide (150) includes a rotatable ring (152) and an arc member (154). The arc member (154) includes a first end (162) and a second end (164), the first end of the arc member is connected to the rotatable ring (152) and the second end extends diametrically opposite to the first end across the rotatable ring. A probe holder (600) is mounted on the arc member (154) so as to hold a needle-like instrument (2161) at a desired angle relative to an axis (Ax) of the rotatable ring (152). In some embodiments, the arc member is monolithically integrated with the rotatable ring. In other embodiments, the arc member is pivotable and/or completely removable from the rotating ring.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for a steerable medical instrument, configured to be used in conjunction with guided tools and devices under robotically controller medical procedures, including endoscopes, cameras, cutting tools and catheters. In one embodiment, the steerable instrument includes an elongate body (100), a control wire (110) arranged in a channel (104) of the elongate body and displaceable along the channel to bend the elongate body; and a controller (320) to selectively control drive forces applied to the control wire (110) under an actively controlled mode and a passively controlled mode. In the actively controlled mode, the controller actively bends at least part of the elongate body. In the passively controlled mode, the controller (320) decreases an amount of strain or an amount of displacement of the control wire, so that the control wire becomes compliant to external forces.

Abstract: Implementations relate to configuration of wireless communication signals between devices. In some implementations, a method includes determining a transmission scenario associated with transmission of wireless signals of a particular wireless communication protocol from a first device to a second device. The transmission scenario specifies one or more transmission characteristics for the signal transmission. A test message is sent wirelessly from the first device to the second device according to the transmission scenario, and a reply message is received from the second device in response to test message. The reply message includes one or more signal quality indicators that indicate a signal quality of the test message. The transmission scenario is selected as a designated scenario based on the signal quality indicators, and data is wirelessly transmitted from the first device to the second device according to the designated scenario.

Abstract: System and techniques are provided for preconfigured antenna beamforming. A device having a first antenna system for communicating over a first wireless link and a second antenna system for communicating over a second wireless link may be provided. For different transmit power levels of the first and/or second wireless links, an antenna coupling factor between the first antenna system and the second antenna system may be measured for different beamforming configurations of the first antenna system, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the first and/or second wireless link may be measured for the different beamforming configurations of the first antenna system, and a beamforming configuration at each of the different transmit power levels with the measured antenna coupling factor and the measured RSSI may be stored in a memory as a predefined beamforming configuration.

Abstract: One or more apparatus and systems for articulated movement, particularly for an articulated medical device such as an endoscope or medical robot. The apparatus comprises an articulated movement portion with tendon control, a transition portion comprising actuation rods, springs, and distal stoppers, a conduit portion comprising lumen filled with air or hydraulic fluid; a translation portion comprising a proximal stopper; and a power unit.

Abstract: Medical guidance device capable of improving precision and accuracy of medical surgery by ensuring accurate and consistent placement of the medical guidance device, as well as communication with surgery planning software and/or three-dimensional spatial software to determine insertion of the needle into the patient.

Abstract: An articulated medical device having a hollow core, capable of large degrees of maneuverability through small spaces of a patient to reach a target with minimal invasiveness, and once the medical device has reached the target, allowing a medical tool to be guided through the hollow chamber for facilitating medical procedures, including endoscopes, cameras, and catheters, at the target.

Abstract: System and techniques are provided for preconfigured antenna beamforming. A device having a first antenna system for communicating over a first wireless link and a second antenna system for communicating over a second wireless link may be provided. For different transmit power levels of the first and/or second wireless links, an antenna coupling factor between the first antenna system and the second antenna system may be measured for different beamforming configurations of the first antenna system, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the first and/or second wireless link may be measured for the different beamforming configurations of the first antenna system, and a beamforming configuration at each of the different transmit power levels with the measured antenna coupling factor and the measured RSSI may be stored in a memory as a predefined beamforming configuration.

Abstract: An articulated medical device having a hollow central core and at least one support wires for preventing the medical device from kinking, wherein the device is capable of maneuvering through cavities to reach a target with minimal invasiveness, and once the medical device has reached the target, allowing a medical tool to be guided through the hollow central core for facilitating medical procedures, including endoscopes, cameras, and catheters, at the target.

Abstract: An articulated medical device having a hollow core, capable of large degrees of maneuverability through small cavities to reach a target with minimal invasiveness, wherein the medical device is capable of manual and robotic manipulation.

Abstract: An articulated medical device having a hollow core, capable of large degrees of maneuverability through small spaces of a patient to reach a target with minimal invasiveness, and once the medical device has reached the target, allowing a medical tool to be guided through the hollow chamber for facilitating medical procedures, including endoscopes, cameras, and bendable medical devices, at the target.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for a steerable medical instrument, configured to be used in conjunction with guided tools and devices under robotically controller medical procedures, including endoscopes, cameras, cutting tools and catheters. In one embodiment, the steerable instrument includes an elongate body (100), a control wire (110) arranged in a channel (104) of the elongate body and displaceable along the channel to bend the elongate body; and a controller (320) to selectively control drive forces applied to the control wire (110) under an actively controlled mode and a passively controlled mode. In the actively controlled mode, the controller actively bends at least part of the elongate body. In the passively controlled mode, the controller (320) decreases an amount of strain or an amount of displacement of the control wire, so that the control wire becomes compliant to external forces.

Abstract: A medical guidance apparatus (100) includes a base assembly (110) configured to be attached to a subject and a guide (150) configured to be removably mated with the base assembly (110). The base assembly (110) has an opening (160), and the guide (150) includes a rotatable ring (152) and an arc member (154). The arc member (154) includes a first end (162) and a second end (164), the first end of the arc member is connected to the rotatable ring (152) and the second end extends diametrically opposite to the first end across the rotatable ring. A probe holder (600) is mounted on the arc member (154) so as to hold a needle-like instrument (2161) at a desired angle relative to an axis (Ax) of the rotatable ring (152). In some embodiments, the arc member is monolithically integrated with the rotatable ring. In other embodiments, the arc member is pivotable and/or completely removable from the rotating ring.

Abstract: Medical guidance device capable of improving precision and accuracy of medical surgery by ensuring accurate and consistent placement of the medical guidance device, as well as communication with surgery planning software and/or three-dimensional spatial software to determine insertion of the needle into the patient.

Abstract: A method of determining preventive maintenance for an optical inspection system for inspecting photolithography processed substrates. The method includes measuring at least one operational characteristic of the optical inspection system and comparing a measurement result for said at least one operational characteristic with predetermined preventive maintenance criteria for the operational characteristic. Also included is determining a preventive maintenance requirement based on a comparison result of said comparing, and initiating a preventive maintenance action on said optical inspection system, said preventive maintenance action corresponding to said preventive maintenance requirement. A method of automatically performing preventive maintenance on an optical inspection system, and for retrofitting an optical inspection system to facilitate preventive maintenance of the optical inspection system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of determining preventive maintenance for an optical inspection system for inspecting photolithography processed substrates. The method includes measuring at least one operational characteristic of the optical inspection system and comparing a measurement result for said at least one operational characteristic with predetermined preventive maintenance criteria for the operational characteristic. Also included is determining a preventive maintenance requirement based on a comparison result of said comparing, and initiating a preventive maintenance action on said optical inspection system, said preventive maintenance action corresponding to said preventive maintenance requirement. A method of automatically performing preventive maintenance on an optical inspection system, and for retrofitting an optical inspection system to facilitate preventive maintenance of the optical inspection system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An engine mounting stand for small engines, and particularly adapted for motorcycle engines. The engine mounting stand includes an upright and a journal bearing, the upright is attached to a base, a rotating bracket assembly is attached to the journal bearing of the upright, the bracket assembly designed to attach to the engine mount holes of the engine, and is operative for rotatably positioning the engine so that the mechanic can access all areas of the engine. The engine mounting stand can further include an outrigger support attached to the rotating bracket assembly, and an outrigger secured to the outrigger support. The outrigger attaches to the engine and outrigger end aperture can provide further attachment support to the bracket assembly.