Abstract: A propulsor is described in which rotation of the frustum of a right circular cylinder generates thrust. Variants of this basic geometrical shape are also described that enable multiple means for propelling fluid past the propulsor.

Abstract: A propulsor is described in which rotation of the frustum of a right circular cylinder generates thrust. Variants of this basic geometrical shape are also described that enable multiple means for propelling fluid past the propulsor.

Abstract: A propulsor is described in which rotation of the frustum of a right circular cylinder generates thrust. Variants of this basic geometrical shape are also described that enable multiple means for propelling fluid past the propulsor.

Abstract: A differential dissecting instrument for differentially dissecting complex tissue is disclosed. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a handle and an elongate member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the handle. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a differential dissecting member configured to be rotatably attached to the second end and further comprises at least one tissue engaging surface. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a mechanism configured to mechanically rotate the differential dissecting member around an axis of rotation, thereby causing the at least one tissue engaging surface to move in at least one direction against the complex tissue. The at least one tissue engaging surface is configured to selectively engage the complex tissue such that the at least one tissue engaging surface disrupts at least one soft tissue in the complex tissue, but does not disrupt firm tissue in the complex tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices for blunt dissection include a differential dissecting instrument (DDI) comprising a rotary drive train having a distal end configured to be pointed substantially at a complex tissue and a proximal end pointed substantially at, and associated with, a mounting base. The DDI comprises a drive wheel possessing an axis of wheel rotation coaxial with a central, longitudinal axis of the rotary drive train, the drive wheel located distally to, and rotated by, the rotary drive train. The drive wheel comprises a drive point located at a non-zero radius from the axis of wheel rotation. The DDI also comprises a differential dissecting member rotatably mounted distally to the drive wheel and having an axis of member rotational oscillation.

Abstract: A differential dissecting instrument for differentially dissecting complex tissue is disclosed. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a handle and an elongate member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the handle. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a differential dissecting member configured to be rotatably attached to the second end and further comprises at least one tissue engaging surface. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a mechanism configured to mechanically rotate the differential dissecting member around an axis of rotation, thereby causing the at least one tissue engaging surface to move in at least one direction against the complex tissue. The at least one tissue engaging surface is configured to selectively engage the complex tissue such that the at least one tissue engaging surface disrupts at least one soft tissue in the complex tissue, but does not disrupt firm tissue in the complex tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices for blunt dissection include a drive mechanism comprising an elongate rotary drive train having a first proximal end connected to a mounting base for attaching to a handle or a surgical robot and a second distal end. The drive mechanism comprises a differential dissecting member (DDM) configured to be rotatably attached to the second distal end. The drive mechanism further comprises a mechanism configured to mechanically rotate the DDM about a substantially transverse axis of member rotational oscillation, thereby causing at least one tissue engaging surface to move in at least one direction against complex tissue and selectively engage the complex tissue such that when the DDM is pressed into the complex tissue, the at least one tissue engaging surface moves across the complex tissue and disrupts at least one soft tissue in the complex tissue, but does not disrupt firm tissue in the complex tissue.

Abstract: A differential dissecting instrument for differentially dissecting complex tissue is disclosed. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a handle and an elongate member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the handle. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a differential dissecting member configured to be rotatably attached to the second end and further comprises at least one tissue engaging surface. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a mechanism configured to mechanically rotate the differential dissecting member around an axis of rotation, thereby causing the at least one tissue engaging surface to move in at least one direction against the complex tissue. The at least one tissue engaging surface is configured to selectively engage the complex tissue such that the at least one tissue engaging surface disrupts at least one soft tissue in the complex tissue, but does not disrupt firm tissue in the complex tissue.

Abstract: A differential dissecting instrument for differentially dissecting complex tissue is disclosed. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a handle and an elongate member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the handle. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a differential dissecting member configured to be rotatably attached to the second end and further comprises at least one tissue engaging surface. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a mechanism configured to mechanically rotate the differential dissecting member around an axis of rotation, thereby causing the at least one tissue engaging surface to move in at least one direction against the complex tissue. The at least one tissue engaging surface is configured to selectively engage the complex tissue such that the at least one tissue engaging surface disrupts at least one soft tissue in the complex tissue, but does not disrupt firm tissue in the complex tissue.

Abstract: An instrument for differentially dissecting complex tissue is disclosed, comprising a handle, a central longitudinal axis, and an elongate member, with a differential dissecting member (DDM) configured to be rotatably attached to a distal end. The DDM comprises at least one tissue engaging surface, a first torque-point disposed to a first side of an axis of rotation, and a mechanism configured to rotate the DDM around the axis of rotation, causing the tissue engaging surface to move in at least one direction against the complex tissue. The mechanism comprises at least one force-transmitting member attached to the first torque-point member and to a motive source configured to oscillate the DDM. The tissue engaging surface is configured to selectively engage the complex tissue such that it disrupts at least one soft tissue in the complex tissue, but does not disrupt firm tissue in the complex tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices for blunt dissection include a drive mechanism comprising an elongate rotary drive train having a first proximal end connected to a mounting base for attaching to a handle or a surgical robot and a second distal end. The drive mechanism comprises a differential dissecting member (DDM) configured to be rotatably attached to the second distal end. The drive mechanism further comprises a mechanism configured to mechanically rotate the DDM about a substantially transverse axis of member rotational oscillation, thereby causing at least one tissue engaging surface to move in at least one direction against complex tissue and selectively engage the complex tissue such that when the DDM is pressed into the complex tissue, the at least one tissue engaging surface moves across the complex tissue and disrupts at least one soft tissue in the complex tissue, but does not disrupt firm tissue in the complex tissue.

Abstract: A differential dissecting instrument for differentially dissecting complex tissue comprising is disclosed. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a rotary drive train having a central, longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. The differential dissecting instrument also comprises at least one differential dissecting bluntwheel, wherein the at least one differential dissecting bluntwheel is rotatably associated with the distal end of the rotary drive train, has at least one axis of rotation substantially transverse to the central, longitudinal axis of the rotary drive train, and is rotated by the rotary drive train. The bluntwheel may comprise projections that are configured to differentially dissect a complex tissue when the differential dissecting instrument is in operation.

Abstract: A differential dissecting instrument for differentially dissecting complex tissue is disclosed. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a handle and an elongate member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the handle. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a differential dissecting member configured to be rotatably attached to the second end and further comprises at least one tissue engaging surface. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a mechanism configured to mechanically rotate the differential dissecting member around an axis of rotation, thereby causing the at least one tissue engaging surface to move in at least one direction against the complex tissue. The at least one tissue engaging surface is configured to selectively engage the complex tissue such that the at least one tissue engaging surface disrupts at least one soft tissue in the complex tissue, but does not disrupt firm tissue in the complex tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include methods and devices for blunt dissection, which differentially disrupt a patient's soft tissues while not disrupting that patient's firm tissues. In one embodiment, a differential dissecting instrument for differentially dissecting complex tissue disclosed. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a handle, a central longitudinal axis, and an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end.

Abstract: A method for operating a submersible vehicle includes, responsive to detection of a vortex ring undesirably affecting the vehicle and/or at least one vehicle condition indicating the presence of a vortex ring undesirably affecting the vehicle, initiating at least one control action to mitigate the effect of the vortex ring on the vehicle.

Abstract: A singulating and counting device includes a bulk housing for storing a plurality of substantially identical articles, an exit channel, and in the exit channel, forwardly- and rearwardly-directed jet apertures, each of which is fluidly connected to a positive pressure source. A forwardly-directed jet generated by the positive pressure source through the forward jet aperture can accelerate singulated articles in the exit channel, thereby increasing the interval between individual articles and rendering them more easily and accurately counted. A rearwardly-directed jet generated by the positive pressure source through the rearwardly-directed jet aperture can cause articles in the exit channel to return to the housing.

Abstract: A differential dissecting instrument for differentially dissecting complex tissue is disclosed. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a handle and an elongate member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the handle. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a differential dissecting member configured to be rotatably attached to the second end and further comprises at least one tissue engaging surface. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a mechanism configured to mechanically rotate the differential dissecting member around an axis of rotation, thereby causing the at least one tissue engaging surface to move in at least one direction against the complex tissue. The at least one tissue engaging surface is configured to selectively engage the complex tissue such that the at least one tissue engaging surface disrupts at least one soft tissue in the complex tissue, but does not disrupt firm tissue in the complex tissue.

Abstract: A submersible vehicle for use in a body of liquid includes a vehicle body, a pair of fins coupled to the vehicle body on-opposed sides thereof, and a dihedral angle control system. The dihedral angle control is system operative to vary a fin dihedral angle of each of the fins.

Abstract: A submersible vehicle for use in a body of liquid includes a vehicle body, a pair of fins coupled to the vehicle body on opposed sides thereof, and a dihedral angle control system. The dihedral angle control is system operative to vary a fin dihedral angle of each of the fins.