Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may be directed to apparatuses for securing and sealing tissue and related methods of use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for facilitating control of a tool or tools. The systems can allow a user to control multiple degrees of freedom. One such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom of two tools simultaneously. Another such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom with a single hand. Frames and rails for supporting and/or constraining movement of a tool or tools are also described herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatuses for securing and sealing apertures in tissue and related methods of use. An exemplary apparatus for collapsing an aperture in a wall of tissue can include a base biased to collapse into a collapsed state from an expanded state. The apparatus can also include a plurality of collapsible fingers extending from the base, wherein the collapsible fingers can be configured to collapse about tissue adjacent to and defining the aperture so as to close the aperture in the wall of tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various instruments, systems, and methods of use. The instruments can have various control members and/or handles for controlling various degrees of freedom. In addition, the control members can include various control mechanisms for transferring user inputs from a handle to a distal portion of the instrument. In one aspect, an instrument can comprise a control member and a catheter. The catheter can be adjustably and/or detachably connected to the control member.

Abstract: Described herein are various method of using a direct drive system to perform procedures at a distance. One exemplary method include tying a knot or suturing at a distance with a first and second end effector. The direct drive system can enable sufficient end effector dexterity, including the ability to control various degrees of freedom of end effector movement, and allow a user to perform complicated task at a distance. In one aspect the direct drive system includes flexible tools that permit access to surgical site via a natural orifice.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for facilitating control of a tool or tools. The systems can allow a user to control multiple degrees of freedom. One such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom of two tools simultaneously. Another such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom with a single hand. Frames and rails for supporting and/or constraining movement of a tool or tools are also described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for facilitating control of a tool or tools. The systems can allow a user to control multiple degrees of freedom. One such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom of two tools simultaneously. Another such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom with a single hand. Frames and rails for supporting and/or constraining movement of a tool or tools are also described herein.

Abstract: Described herein are drive systems and methods. One exemplary system includes a tool having a proximal handle and a catheter body. The tool can be mated with a rail and the rail mated with a frame. The connection between the tool and rail and/or the rail and frame can allow relative movement of the tool with respect to the frame, a patient, and/or a point of reference. In one exemplary configuration the handle of the tool rotates around an axis that corresponds to a portion of the catheter body, such that rotational movement of the handle has a minimal impact on longitudinal movement and/or position of a distal end of the tool.

Abstract: Described herein are drive systems and methods. One exemplary system includes a tool having a proximal handle and a catheter body. The tool can be mated with a rail and the rail mated with a frame. The connection between the tool and rail and/or the rail and frame can allow relative movement of the tool with respect to the frame, a patient, and/or a point of reference. In one exemplary configuration the handle of the tool rotates around an axis that corresponds to a portion of the catheter body, such that rotational movement of the handle has a minimal impact on longitudinal movement and/or position of a distal end of the tool.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for traversing an anatomic wall. A system can include a port that mates with an anatomic wall and provides a lumen for the passage of a guide tube of a transluminal device. The port can inhibit the passage of biological materials through the anatomic wall. Further described herein are methods for implanting the port and/or for inserting the transluminal device into a body cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may be directed to apparatuses for securing and sealing tissue and related methods of use.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may be directed to apparatuses for securing and sealing tissue and related methods of use. The apparatus may include an outer housing defining a first lumen, an elongate member defining a second lumen, the elongate member being configured to be disposed in the first lumen, and a securing mechanism configured to secure tissue around a distal portion of the elongate member. The elongate member and the outer housing may be longitudinally moveable relative to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for guiding, supporting, and/or housing instruments. One exemplary system includes a guide tube having a manipulation section and mated with rails carrying instrument control members. Moving the rails with respect to the guide tube, or another point of reference, can control movement of the manipulation section.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for guiding, supporting, and/or housing instruments. One exemplary system includes a guide tube having a manipulation section and mated with rails carrying instrument control members. Moving the rails with respect to the guide tube, or another point of reference, can control movement of the manipulation section.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus (10) for pressurizing a first substance, such as a liquid, gas or particulate material, to a pressure substantially equal or similar to the pressure of a second substance, i.e. a reference substance. The pressure of the reference substance may be transient so the pressure of the first substance must be varied accordingly. The present disclosure includes a bladder (71) disposed within a sealed can (40), an inlet passage (24a) in communication with the interior (41) of the can and an outlet passage (26a) in communication with the interior of bladder (71). The reference substance may be directed into the interior (41) of the can (40) via the inlet passage (24a) and pressurizes the bladder (71) and thus the first substance stored therein, thereby causing the first substance to be expelled via the outlet passage (26a) with a pressure substantially corresponding to that of the reference substance.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mixing pump (10) for combining two or more substances. More specifically, the mixing pump (10) is adapted to combine controlled amounts of those substances so as to produce a mixture containing predetermined proportions of those substances. The mixing pump includes a chamber (23) lying in fluid communication with a first substance inlet (50), a second substance inlet (51) and a mixture outlet (52). The mixing pump (10) also includes a pumping member disposed in the chamber (23) and adapted to draw first and second substances from the first and second substance inlets (50,51) and to expel a mixture of those substances through the mixture outlet (52).

Abstract: An apparatus that restricts or disables electronic device functionality based on vehicle status data received from the on-board computer (“OBD”) of a public service vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle status data is accessed from the OBD through an assembly line diagnostic link (“ALDL”) connector, which eliminates any need for modification of the vehicle during installation. If the software determines the vehicle status data is outside a preset range, which could be customized on a case-by-case basis, the on-board computer of the vehicle could be restricted or disabled until the vehicle status data returns to within the preset range.

Abstract: Methods and structure are provided for routing internal operational signals of a circuit for output via an external interface. The structure includes an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit comprises a block of circuitry components operable to generate internal operational signals for performing designated functions during normal operation of the circuit, a control unit, a test signal routing hierarchy, and an external interface. The test signal routing hierarchy is coupled to receive the internal operational signals and controllably selects the internal operational signals for acquisition and applies them to the control unit. The external interface provides communications between the integrated circuit and an external device during normal operation of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: Methods and structure for correlating internal operational signals routed via different paths of a test signal selection hierarchy. The structure includes a functional block of circuitry operable to generate internal operational signals and clock signals. The integrated circuit also comprises a test signal selection hierarchy operable to receive the internal operational signals and the clock signals and to selectively route the internal operational signals and the clock signals. Further, structure includes a control unit operable to receive the clock signals from the test signal selection hierarchy, to determine a delay between received clock signals routed via different signaling pathways of the test signal selection hierarchy. The control unit is further operable to program a delay line based upon the delay between the clock signals and based upon internal operational signals correlated with the clock signals.

Abstract: Described herein are multi-part instrument systems and methods of use. The instrument can include an inner and outer body member where the inner body member is adapted to dock with the outer body member. When docked, driving the outer body member via a manipulation section can control the inner body. In use, an inner body member can be removed and replaced by a different inner body member to change the tool end effector. Alternatively, driving a manipulation section of the inner body member can control the outer body member. The outer body member can be disposable while the inner body member is reusable.