Method for making electronic devices using metal oxide nanoparticles

A method of making a thin film transistor comprises (a) solution depositing a dispersion comprising semiconducting metal oxide nanoparticles onto a substrate, (b) sintering the nanoparticles to form a semiconductor layer, and (c) optionally subjecting the resulting semiconductor layer to post-deposition processing.

Surgical instrument having fluid actuated opposing jaws

A surgical stapling and severing instrument enables minimally invasive surgical procedures by having upper and lower jaws (i.e., anvil and staple channel) that are positioned with an elongate shaft and handle through surgical openings, and in particular through a cannula of a trocar. A pair of fluid actuator bladders (lift bags) are positioned in the staple channel beneath a proximally projecting lever tray so that transfer of fluid from the handle causes closing and clamping of the anvil. The bi-directional fluid control may be mechanically produced at the handle or by activating an electroactive polymer actuator. Once firing is sensed, an EAP plunger in a medical substance syringe inserted into the elongate shaft is activated to dispense a medical substance (e.g., anesthetics, adhesives, cauterizing substances, antibiotics, etc.) and is guided along a firing bar to a cutting surface of an E-beam placing the substance on tissue as severed.

Surgical instrument with articulating shaft with double pivot closure and single pivot frame ground

A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use includes a proximal portion that is manipulated external to a patient to position an attached elongate shaft and end effector to a desired surgical site inside of the patient. An articulation joint pivotally attaches the end effector to the elongate shaft to give further clinical flexibility in reaching tissue at a desired angle. A closure tube assembly includes a multiple pivoting portion that overrides the articulation joint in order to distally translate to close the end effector yet pass over an articulated shaft. Thereby, additional clinical flexibility in positioning the end effector is achieved without losing the ability for separate closure and firing motions transferred by the shaft. Thereby, design flexibility is achieved by avoiding the design constraints of transferring a mechanical motion through the tight confines of the elongate shaft sufficient to effect articulation.

Expandable backspan staple

A staple having an expandable backspan and a pair of spaced legs is described. The expandable backspan is configured to expand or deform to accommodate tissues of varying thicknesses. In one embodiment, the backspan is non-linear and defines a recess. In another embodiment, the backspan includes a deformable pad or spacer. The amount of deformation of the backspan is proportional to the thickness of the tissue, i.e., the greater the thickness of tissue, the greater the deformation of the backspan.

Recovery of calibrated center steering position after loss of battery power

The steering angle of a vehicle is monitored using position sensors of an electric motor of an electric power assisted steering (EPAS) system. A position of the electric motor corresponding to the straight-ahead, center position of the steering system is stored in non-volatile memory during a steering calibration procedure, such as an end-of-line calibration in a vehicle assembly plant. Following power loss due to a dead battery, a steering angle zeroing procedure performed in a vehicle stability control (VSC) system generates a center position with enough accuracy to be within one electrical cycle of the motor. The pre-stored electric motor position is then used to determine the electrical cycle where the center position was located, and accurate monitoring of steering angle is resumed.

Electrosurgical power control

A method and apparatus include determining a value of a parameter associated with operation of an electrosurgical probe having a particular probe design, and determining whether the value of the parameter is within a range of values that has been predetermined for the particular probe design to indicate that the probe is treating tissue in a desired manner. Power is delivered to the probe according to an algorithm based upon a determination that the value of the parameter is outside the range of values The algorithm delivers power in a pulsed profile including portions of low power and portions of high power. In one embodiment, the tissue treatment is ablation, the parameter is impedance, and the method limits tissue necrosis to less than 200 microns. In another embodiment, the tissue treatment is shrinkage, the parameter is temperature, and the method limits power delivery when the probe is not shrinking tissue.

Spinous process spacer

Interspinous process implants are disclosed. Also disclosed are systems and kits including such implants, methods of inserting such implants, and methods of alleviating pain or discomfort associated with the spinal column.

Processing techniques for text capture from a rendered document

A facility for initiating a purchase is described. The facility receives a text sequence captured by a user from a rendered document using a handheld text capture device. The facility identifies in the received text sequence a reference to a distinguished product. In response to identifying the reference, the facility presents to the user an opportunity to place an order for the established product. If the user accepts the presented opportunity to order the distinct product, the facility orders the distinct product on behalf of the user.

Method and system for creating and distributing mobile avatars

A method and system for creating mobile avatars, customizing or personalizing mobile avatars and distributing mobile avatars including real-time updates thereof across a wireless network. A mobile avatar of a service subscriber is stored in mobile clients across the wireless network, and the mobile avatar is retrieved from the mobile clients and displayed upon receipt of a call from the service subscriber.

Robotic catheter system

A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device, and an instrument driver in communication with the controller, the instrument driver configured for independently controlling each of number of desired motions of a flexible, elongate guide instrument in a body of a patient in response to control signals generated by the controller, the desired motions selected from the group comprising axial advancement, axial retraction, axial rotation, and radial bending. Integrated haptics capability may be provided, in which one or more motors provide tactile feedback to an operator through the master input device.