Abstract: An apparatus comprises a flexible entry guide tube comprising one or more lumens, wherein at least one lumen is an instrument lumen; and a rigidizing cable to lock a shape of the guide tube within a body cavity with a distal end of the guide tube near a medical site. The rigidizing cable can steer the guide tube. The apparatus comprises a flexible tool insertable into the instrument lumen. The tool can perform a medical procedure near the distal end of the guide tube. The tool comprises an end effector, a steerable tip portion, and a steering cable for steering the tip portion. While the tip portion remains within the instrument lumen, articulation of the tip portion causes corresponding articulation of a distal portion of the guide tube. The tool can extend away from the distal end while the shape of the guide tube is locked by the rigidizing cable.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to certain chiral diaryl macrocyclic derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods of using them to treat cancer, pain, neurological diseases, autoimmune diseases, and inflammation.

Abstract: A three-position plunger is provided including a sleeve having an opening at a distal end, a pre-load cavity proximal to and in communication with the opening, a first cavity proximal to and in communication with the pre-load cavity, a second cavity proximal to and in communication with the pre-load cavity, and at least one rib. The rib(s) is generally aligned with the first cavity. The plunger further includes an insert configured to be displaced from the pre-load cavity to the first cavity and from the first cavity to the second cavity. The insert is configured to provide support for the compression of the rib(s) when the insert is positioned in the first cavity.

Abstract: A stiffening assembly comprises an outer tube including a longitudinal axis, an inner tube extending along the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of laminar elements between the outer tube and the inner tube and separate from the outer tube and the inner tube. The stiffening assembly is adjustable between a flexible state in which each laminar element of the plurality of laminar elements is movable and a stiffened state in which an applied vacuum clamps the plurality of laminar elements between the outer and inner tubes such that a transfer of forces between the plurality of laminar elements stiffens the stiffening assembly. At least one laminar element of the plurality of laminar elements has a different thickness than at least another laminar element of the plurality of laminar elements.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery device having a detachable power source is provided. A control body may be coupleable with a cartridge to form an aerosol delivery device. The cartridge may contain an aerosol precursor composition and be equipped with a heating element configured to activate and vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition. The control body may comprise a housing and a power source detachably coupled to an outer surface of the housing. A control component may be contained within the housing and configured to operate in an active mode in which the control body is coupled with the cartridge. The control component in the active mode may be configured to direct power from the power source to the heating element to activate and vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a computer-assisted instrument motion are described. For example, the disclosure provides mechanisms and techniques for holding an instrument with a computer-assisted manipulator assembly, and methods for actuating computer-assisted motions of the instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed are plunger assemblies including various convertible plungers and methods of making the same. Each plunger assembly is configured for disposition within a barrel of a medical container, e.g., a syringe, and displaced within the barrel from an engagement position to a release position. The engagement position is configured to provide a compression seal between a storage sealing section of the plunger and an inner wall of the syringe barrel. In the release position, the compression seal is reduced or eliminated. Also disclosed are methods for making convertible plungers and assembling them into syringes, e.g., pre-filled syringes.

Abstract: An instrument manipulator and a robotic surgical system including an instrument manipulator are provided. In one embodiment, an instrument manipulator includes a plurality of independent actuator drive modules, each of the plurality of actuator drive modules including an actuator output, wherein each of the actuator outputs are configured to independently actuate a corresponding actuator input of a surgical instrument without force input from another actuator output. The instrument manipulator further includes a frame housing the plurality of independent actuator drive modules, the frame including a distal end from which each of the actuator outputs distally protrude for engaging the corresponding actuator inputs of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A method comprises displaying a surgical environment image. The surgical environment image includes a virtual control element for controlling a component of a surgical system. The method also includes displaying an image of a body part of a user used to interact with the virtual control element. The method also comprises receiving a user input from the user with a gesture based input device while the body part interacts with the virtual control element. The method also comprises adjusting a setting of the component of the surgical system based on the received user input.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the use of certain diaryl macrocycle compounds, specifically (7S13R)-11-fluoro-7,13-di-methyl-6,7,13,14-tetrahydro-1,15-ethenopyrazolo[4,3-f][1,4,8,10]benzoxatriazacyclotridecin-4(5H)-one in the treatment of disease in mammals. This disclosure also relates to compositions including such compounds, and to methods of using such compositions in the treatment of diseases in mammals, especially in humans.

Abstract: A cap and container assembly includes a container having a base and a side wall extending upward from the base. The base and the side wall define an interior, and the side wall defines an opening leading to the interior. A cap moves with respect to the container between an opened position in which the opening is exposed, and a closed position in which the cap covers the opening. A tab projects outward from the cap and has a bottom surface. A spacer projects from the container side wall at a location beneath the tab when the assembly is in the closed position. The spacer bends inward towards the container in response to application of a sufficient force, to move from a locked position that blocks the bottom surface of the tab, to an unlocked position to expose at least a portion of the bottom surface of the tab.

Abstract: A stiffening assembly comprises a bulkhead including an inner surface defining a central lumen. The bulkhead further includes an outer surface surrounding the inner surface and includes a wall connecting the outer surface to the inner surface. The wall is shaped to form a plurality of holes spaced apart and surrounding the central lumen. The stiffening assembly further comprises a plurality of longitudinal beams. Each beam extends through a corresponding hole of the plurality of holes. The stiffening assembly further comprises a clamping assembly configured to contact the plurality of beams. The stiffening assembly is adjustable between a flexible state in which each beam is movable within the corresponding hole and a stiffened state in which the clamping assembly clamps the plurality of beams against the bulkhead such that a transfer of forces in a radial direction between the plurality of beams and the bulkhead stiffens the stiffening assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to certain macrocyclic derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods of using them to treat disease, such as cancer.

Abstract: A light weight, easy to maneuver general use utility cart that may be operated in a the forward push configuration wherein four wheels contact the ground and the cart may be pushed ahead of an operator or may be alternatively operated in a two-wheel dolly configuration wherein the cart may be pushed or pulled and easily maneuvered through tighter spaces and up/down stairs. Further, the cart of the present disclosure may be folded or collapsed into a compact configuration for easy storage utilizing minimal space.

Abstract: An instrument manipulator and a robotic surgical system including an instrument manipulator are provided. In one embodiment, an instrument manipulator includes a plurality of independent actuator drive modules, each of the plurality of actuator drive modules including an actuator output, wherein each of the actuator outputs are configured to independently actuate a corresponding actuator input of a surgical instrument without force input from another actuator output. The instrument manipulator further includes a frame housing the plurality of independent actuator drive modules, the frame including a distal end from which each of the actuator outputs distally protrude for engaging the corresponding actuator inputs of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A three-position plunger is provided including a sleeve having an opening at a distal end, a pre-load cavity proximal to and in communication with the opening, a first cavity proximal to and in communication with the pre-load cavity, a second cavity proximal to and in communication with the pre-load cavity, and at least one rib. The rib(s) is generally aligned with the first cavity. The plunger further includes an insert configured to be displaced from the pre-load cavity to the first cavity and from the first cavity to the second cavity. The insert is configured to provide support for the compression of the rib(s) when the insert is positioned in the first cavity.

Abstract: A method may include coupling a proximal end of a first cannula to a first manipulator of a surgical system, the first manipulator being configured to remotely actuate movement of the first cannula, wherein the first cannula comprises a rigid portion disposed between the proximal end and a distal end of the first cannula, the rigid portion having a curved longitudinal axis, and coupling a proximal end of a second cannula to a second manipulator of a surgical system, the second manipulator being configured to remotely actuate movement of the second cannula, wherein the second cannula comprises a rigid portion disposed between the proximal end and a distal end of the second cannula, the rigid portion having a curved longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle contains a plug outlet that has a pair of contacts for electrical connection to respective hot and neutral power lines. A controlled switch, such as a TRIAC, is connected in series relationship between the outlet contact and the hot power line. Sensors in the receptacle outputs signals to a processor having an output coupled to the control terminal of the controlled switch. The processor outputs an activation signal or a deactivation signal to the controlled switch in response to received sensor signals that are indicative of conditions relative to the first and second contacts.

Abstract: A method of producing oil, gas, and ash fertilizer from a feedstock includes inputting the feedstock into a reaction chamber having a wall, and combusting the feedstock in the reaction chamber. An electrical current flow is induced between the reaction chamber wall and the feedstock so as to cause arcing in the feedstock within the reaction chamber. Ash reaction byproducts migrate downward through the reaction chamber onto ash support structure, which is substantially electrically isolated from the reaction chamber wall. Gas and liquid reaction byproducts migrate upward through the reaction chamber to an upper chamber by a partial vacuum in the upper chamber, and are evacuated therefrom. The oil and gas are then separated from the evacuated gas/liquid products, providing the oil and the gas products. The oil is refinable, the gas is high in energy content, and the ash fertilizer is high in nitrogen.

Abstract: A cap and container assembly includes a container having a base and a side wall extending upward from the base. The base and the side wall define an interior, and the side wall defines an opening leading to the interior. A cap moves with respect to the container between an opened position in which the opening is exposed, and a closed position in which the cap covers the opening. A tab projects outward from the cap and has a bottom surface. A spacer projects from the container side wall at a location beneath the tab when the assembly is in the closed position. The spacer bends inward towards the container in response to application of a sufficient force, to move from a locked position that blocks the bottom surface of the tab, to an unlocked position to expose at least a portion of the bottom surface of the tab.