Abstract: The electroadhesive pad comprises a substrate, a first electrical network, and a second electrical network. The first electrical network comprises a first subset of electrodes and a first voltage source configured to apply an output voltage at a first polarity to the first subset of electrodes. The second electrical network comprises a second subset of electrodes and a second voltage source configured to apply the output voltage to the second subset of electrodes at a second polarity. The first and second voltage sources are disposed along a central region of the electroadhesive pad. The first and second subsets of electrodes are supported by the substrate and extend between the central region and a perimeter of the electroadhesive pad. The methods include producing a custom electrostatic pad by mapping a shape of the custom electroadhesive pad onto a stock electroadhesive pad and cutting the stock electroadhesive pad into the shape.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a support platform and a plurality of passive actuators coupled to the support platform. Each one of the plurality of passive actuators includes a shaft. The shaft includes a first shaft end and a second shaft end, opposite the first shaft end. Each one of the plurality of passive actuators includes a gripper coupled to the second shaft end. The shaft is freely movable relative to the support platform in a first direction along an axis of linear shaft movement. Movement of the shaft relative to the support platform in a second direction, opposite the first direction, along the axis of linear shaft movement is automatically inhibited.

Abstract: A surgical system for use in establishing and maintaining an opening to an anatomical space of a body, the system comprising an obturator assembly having a cutting portion at a distal end and a cannula, the cannula being detachably coupled to the cutting portion and deployable into the anatomical space of a patient, the cannula comprises a locking portion, and a lengthwise extendable body; a valve assembly comprising a passage for receiving the cannula, a first end for coupling to a fluid extraction device and a second end for placement external and adjacent the anatomical space; a base comprising a plate for placement on a patient external and adjacent the anatomical space, the plate has an aperture configured for receiving the obturator assembly and coupling means located about the aperture for coupling with the valve assembly; and wherein, in use, the locking portion of the cannula is configured to be retained in the valve assembly with the extendable body extended into the anatomical space to facilitate a

Abstract: A surgical system for use in establishing and maintaining an opening to an anatomical space of a body, the system comprising an obturator assembly having a cutting portion at a distal end and a cannula, the cannula being detachably coupled to the cutting portion and deployable into the anatomical space of a patient, the cannula comprises a locking portion, and a lengthwise extendable body; a valve assembly comprising a passage for receiving the cannula, a first end for coupling to a fluid extraction device and a second end for placement external and adjacent the anatomical space; a base comprising a plate for placement on a patient external and adjacent the anatomical space, the plate has an aperture configured for receiving the obturator assembly and coupling means located about the aperture for coupling with the valve assembly; and wherein, in use, the locking portion of the cannula is configured to be retained in the valve assembly with the extendable body extended into the anatomical space to facilitate a

Abstract: A surgical system for use in establishing and maintaining an opening to an anatomical space of a body, the system comprising an obturator assembly having a cutting portion at a distal end and a cannula, the cannula being detachably coupled to the cutting portion and deployable into the anatomical space of a patient, the cannula comprises a locking portion, and a lengthwise extendable body; a valve assembly comprising a passage for receiving the cannula, a first end for coupling to a fluid extraction device and a second end for placement external and adjacent the anatomical space; a base comprising a plate for placement on a patient external and adjacent the anatomical space, the plate has an aperture configured for receiving the obturator assembly and coupling means located about the aperture for coupling with the valve assembly; and wherein, in use, the locking portion of the cannula is configured to be retained in the valve assembly with the extendable body extended into the anatomical space to facilitate a