Abstract: Systems and methods for minimally invasive computer-assisted telesurgery are described. A computer-assisted teleoperated surgery system includes a teleoperated instrument actuation pod. The surgical instrument actuation pod includes a plurality of linear actuators arranged around a surgical instrument. The linear actuators engage with actuator engagement members on the instrument and so drive movable parts on the instrument. The actuation pod is mounted on a teleoperated manipulator. Instrument pod mass is close to the teleoperated manipulator to minimize the pod's inertia, momentum, and gravity effects on the manipulator.

Abstract: In a method for designing and producing a mechanical component for an application, application requirements and application variables are provided to an optimization engine, wherein the application requirements describe required features and the application variables describe features that can be varied to arrive at an optimal design. The optimization engine is operated using the application requirements and application variables to produce a manufacturing specification for the mechanical component, which includes specific values for the application variables corresponding to an optimal design. The mechanical component is then manufactured according to the manufacturing specification. The optimization engine may use a genetic algorithm to generate and evaluate a large number of candidate designs and thus quickly and efficiently produce superior application-specific components.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of molecular biology and is directed to novel reverse transcriptase enzymes and compositions, and to methods and kits for producing, amplifying, or sequencing nucleic acid molecules using these novel reverse transcriptase enzymes or compositions. In particular the Invention relates to a polymerase selected from the group of. a polymerase (O15) as encoded by a nucleic acid according to SEQ ID NO. 9 or a nucleic acid that is at least 98% identical thereto, a polymerase (O15) with the amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 10 or a polymerase that is at least 90% identical thereto, a polymerase (O57) as encoded by a nucleic acid according to SEQ ID NO. 11 or a nucleic acid that is at least 98% identical thereto, a polymerase (O57) with the amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 12 or a polymerase that is at least 90% identical thereto. a polymerase (O58) as encoded by a nucleic acid according to SEQ ID NO.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimally invasive computer-assisted telesurgery are described. A computer-assisted teleoperated surgery system includes a teleoperated instrument actuation pod. The surgical instrument actuation pod includes a plurality of linear actuators arranged around a surgical instrument. The linear actuators engage with actuator engagement members on the instrument and so drive movable parts on the instrument. The actuation pod is mounted on a teleoperated manipulator. Instrument pod mass is close to the teleoperated manipulator to minimize the pod's inertia, momentum, and gravity effects on the manipulator.

Abstract: A teleoperated manipulator system includes a manipulator assembly and a tool actuation assembly coupled to the manipulator assembly. The tool actuation assembly inserts a tool, such as a surgical instrument, along an insertion axis and also rotates the tool around the insertion axis. The manipulator assembly includes an arm that rotates with reference to a mounting base to rotate the tool around a yaw axis that intersects the insertion axis. A distal portion of the arm defines an arcuate pitch arc, and a center of the pitch arc is coincident with the intersection of the insertion axis and the yaw axis. The tool actuation assembly is driven along the pitch arc to pitch the tool. The manipulator system is optionally a telesurgical system, and the tool is optionally a therapeutic, diagnostic, or imaging surgical instrument.

Abstract: An anti-abuse system is provided for a data-platform. An anti-abuse scanner of the data-platform detects a creation of an application package by a provider of content to the data platform where the application package includes a set of files for deployment on the data platform. The anti-abuse scanner performs a review o the set of files to detect malicious content where the review is based on a set of analysis rules and generates a deployment decision for the application package based on a result of the review.

Abstract: An anti-abuse scanning system and method for an application deployment platform is provided. In some examples, when a provider submits a new application package, a scan scheduler periodically polls for and detects the new submission. An anti-abuse scan service parses the installer script to determine dependencies between a primary application source code scan, and secondary container image scans. The primary and secondary scans are queued by writing records to status tables. A scan manager polls the tables, detects pending scans, and invokes scanner services to analyze the application files and container images based on configured rules. An image service extracts and uploads container images. The anti-abuse scan service aggregates the primary and secondary scan results to determine an overall verdict for the application package. In some examples, the verdict can be an automatic approval, automatic rejection, or trigger a manual review.

Abstract: Manipulator devices are used for computer-assisted tele-operated surgery. In some embodiments, the manipulator devices described herein include an arm with a proximal end that is configured to releasably couple with a set-up structure of a computer-assisted tele-operated surgery system. A first ring is rotatably coupled to a distal end portion the arm and is rotatably driven by a first gear motor within the arm. A second ring that is concentric with the first ring is also rotatably coupled to the distal end portion of the arm. Rotations of the second ring are driven by a second gear motor within the arm. An instrument actuator coupling is pivotably coupled to the second ring. The instrument actuator coupling is configured to releasably couple with a computer-assisted tele-operated surgical instrument actuator, and defines a surgical instrument insertion axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimally invasive computer-assisted telesurgery are described. For example, this disclosure provides surgical instruments and instrument drive systems for computer-assisted tele-operated surgery that are structured and operated to negate the effects of cable stretch within the surgical instruments.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for associating electronic devices together based on received commands are described. Methods for associating an audio-controlled device with a physically separate device with different hardware capabilities such that commands spoken to the audio-controlled device that require the hardware capabilities of the physically separate device can be streamlined.

Abstract: An instrument system includes an instrument, a drive system, and a controller operably connected to a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism of the drive system. The controller is configured to operate the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism drive a flexible tensioning member of the instrument to cause movement of an end effector of the instrument while maintaining a tension applied to the flexible tensioning member of the instrument in a tension range.

Abstract: An anti-abuse system is provided for a data-platform. An anti-abuse scanner of the data-platform detects a creation of an application package by a provider of content to the data platform where the application package includes a set of files for deployment on the data platform. The anti-abuse scanner performs a review of the set of files to detect malicious content where the review is based on a set of analysis rules and generates a deployment decision for the application package based on a result of the review.

Abstract: A method is provided for generating single-stranded DNA circles from a biological sample. The method comprises the steps of: treating the biological sample with an extractant to release nucleic acids, thereby forming a sample mixture; neutralizing the extractant; denaturing the released nucleic acids to generate single-stranded nucleic acids; and contacting the single-stranded nucleic acids with a ligase that is capable of template-independent, intramolecular ligation of single-stranded DNA to generate the single-stranded DNA circles. All the steps of the method are performed without any intermediate nucleic acid isolation or nucleic acid purification. The single-stranded DNA circles may be amplified and further analyzed. Also provided is a kit which comprises compositions for carrying out the novel methods.

Abstract: A computer-assisted teleoperated surgical system includes one or more manipulator devices and other components. A manipulator device includes a first link, a second link coupled to a distal end of the first link, a third link coupled to the second link, and an instrument actuator coupled to the third link. A joint that couples the second link to the first link defines a yaw axis. A joint that couples the third link to the second link defines a pitch axis. The instrument actuator defines an insertion axis. The yaw, pitch, and insertion axes are fixed in relation to each other and intersect at a remote center of motion. The instrument actuator may insert a surgical instrument along the insertion axis roll and may roll the surgical instrument around the insertion axis. The proximal end of the first link may be coupled to a repositionable setup structure, which may optionally be mechanically grounded to an operating room table.

Abstract: A system receives medical data from multiple physiological monitor devices in various forms and formats. A data normalization process identifies each attribute type in the medical data reported by each device and assigns a unique attribute identifier. All parameters associated with an attribute are also identified and assigned a unique parameter identifier. The data normalization process uses this information to create a standardized data set for analysis. A rules processing engine applies alert and reporting rules to the standardized data set to generate a patient report and alerts for patient data that is beyond thresholds defined by the alert rules. The system provides default alert rules that may be overridden by clinic rule or manufacturer rules. Artificial intelligence (AI) principles may be applied using training set(s) of data to teach the rules processing engine to use the AI alert rules for data analysis.

Abstract: The suspension system disclosed may be used to provide anti-gravity or pro-gravity affects to aid in exercise and rehabilitation. The system includes a frame assembly which supports an elastic cord. The elastic cord supports a portion of the weight of the user and exerts upward or downward pressure on the user to reduce or enhance the user's weight. The elastic is configured to equalize the forces on the system and permit free movement of the user while reducing or enhancing the user's weight. The system may be used by itself or with a number of different exercises and equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for computer-assisted systems using robotic technology are described. For example, this disclosure describes systems and methods that can be used in various contexts such as, but not limited to, minimally invasive computer-assisted tele-operated surgery using robotic technology. The disclosure describes instruments and mechanisms for actuating and controlling the motions of such instruments. The instruments and actuator mechanisms may be used in medical operations and non-medical operations.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for associating electronic devices together based on received audio commands are described. Methods for associating an audio-controlled device with a physically separate display screen device such that information responses can then be provided in both audio and graphic formats using the two devices in conjunction with each other are described. The audio-controlled device can receive audio commands that can be analyzed to determine the author, which can then be used to further streamline the association operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and apparatus that may collect information relating to a group of electrical power distribution wires, commonly referred to as an electrical branch circuit. Such methods can controllably cause a circuit breaker to open (clear) while keeping the branch circuit loaded within a predetermined set of parameters or specifications. Apparatus consistent with the present disclosure may use multiple high power resistive elements of different resistance values that are selectively connected to the branch circuit in a manner that provides a configurable limit to an available fault current when data relating to the branch circuit are collected and evaluated. Such methods can provide a positive indication to an electrician that allows the electrician to know that a particular electrical circuit has been de-energized before the electrician works on that particular electrical circuit.