Abstract: Systems and apparatuses are disclosed that include an RF generator configured to generate RF signals having a wavelength. Amplifiers are configured to receive and amplify the RF signals from the RF generator and are separated from each other by a separation distance in a range between about 0.2 times the wavelength and about 10.0 times the wavelength. A power management system is configured to control one or more of the amplifiers based on information received that is associated with the RF signals.

Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods involve flexible components for insertion into tissue, such as for minimally-invasive surgical procedures. As consistent with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a plurality of elongated flexible segments and one or more rigid actuators coupled between the flexible segments. One or more tendons extend within and moves the flexible segments, which elastically flex upon insertion into tissue. Each rigid actuator also operates to move one or more of the flexible segments, providing further movement control. A manipulator circuit is coupled to each rigid actuator and operates to position one or more of the segments by actuating the rigid actuator (e.g., via electrical and/or mechanical input).

Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods involve flexible components for insertion into tissue, such as for minimally-invasive surgical procedures. As consistent with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a plurality of elongated flexible segments and one or more rigid actuators coupled between the flexible segments. One or more tendons extend within and moves the flexible segments, which elastically flex upon insertion into tissue. Each rigid actuator also operates to move one or more of the flexible segments, providing further movement control. A manipulator circuit is coupled to each rigid actuator and operates to position one or more of the segments by actuating the rigid actuator (e.g., via electrical and/or mechanical input).

Abstract: The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other.

Abstract: A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device, and an instrument driver in communication with the controller, the instrument driver configured for independently controlling each of number of desired motions of a flexible, elongate guide instrument in a body of a patient in response to control signals generated by the controller, the desired motions selected from the group comprising axial advancement, axial retraction, axial rotation, and radial bending. Integrated haptics capability may be provided, in which one or more motors provide tactile feedback to an operator through the master input device.

Abstract: A method using a robotic system to perform a procedure on a patient, includes moving a control interface provided on a master input device, generating control signals corresponding, at least in part, to movement of the interface, moving one or more drive elements of an instrument driver in response to the control signal, the one or more drive elements operatively coupled to a corresponding plurality of control elements of an elongate guide instrument, the control elements secured to a distal end of the guide instrument and moveable axially relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the drive elements causes a corresponding movement of the guide instrument. The method may further comprise providing tactile feedback through the interface.

Abstract: A methods using a robotic catheter system to perform a procedure on a patient includes generating a control signal corresponding to movement of a master input device, and moving a plurality of drive elements of an instrument driver in response to the control signal, the drive elements operatively coupled to a corresponding plurality of control elements of an elongate guide instrument, the control elements secured to a distal end of the guide instrument and moveable axially relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the drive elements causes a corresponding movement of the guide instrument distal end.

Abstract: A robotic medical system comprises an operator control station having a master input device, a catheter instrument, and an instrument driver in communication with the operator control station. The catheter instrument includes an elongate flexible catheter member, a flexible control element, such as, e.g., a cable, extending within the catheter member, and a proximal drivable assembly configured to axially move the control element relative to the catheter member to perform a kinematic function at a distal end of the catheter member, such as a deflection of the distal end of the catheter member. The instrument driver is configured to operate the drivable assembly to axially move the control element in response to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device.

Abstract: A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device.

Abstract: An inflatable and deflatable cushion comprising an inflatable chamber to receive an inflating fluid and further including a plurality of folding means positioned on the cushion for providing a plurality of hinge lines is disclosed. Upon deflation of the cushion, the cushion collapses to enable folding along the hinge lines to enhance the flattening of the deflated cushion and to enable the repeated folding of the cushion into a defined configuration and a small size for easy storage. A valve means permits fluid communication into the chamber to define an inflated cushion and further permits fluid communication out of the chamber in order to provide a collapsed and deflated cushion. The valve means further includes a sound generating means activated by the inflating medium when the cushion is being deflated.

Abstract: An inflatable and deflatable cushion comprising an inflatable chamber to receive an inflating fluid and further including a plurality of folding means positioned on the cushion for providing a plurality of hinge lines is disclosed. Upon deflation of the cushion, the cushion collapses to enable folding along the hinge lines to enhance the flattening of the deflated cushion and to enable the repeated folding of the cushion into a defined configuration and a small size for easy storage. A valve means permits fluid communication into the chamber to define an inflated cushion and further permits fluid communication out of the chamber in order to provide a collapsed and deflated cushion. The valve means further includes a sound generating means activated by the inflating medium when the cushion is being deflated.

Abstract: A solar collector assembly wherein a frame surrounds a heat absorber and a flexible glazing spans the frame, wherein the frame includes a pivotable elongated member which secures and tensions the glazing such that the glazing remains under substantially constant tension notwithstanding shrinkage.