Method for operating an electrical surgical instrument with optimal tissue compression

A method for effecting a tissue-compressing surgery at a user-selected compression force provides an electrical switch having switching states changed solely by mechanical movements. The switch is mechanically coupled with an adjustable biasing device retaining the switch in one state until a force greater than the bias device is imparted to the switch. The switch is in line with a tissue-compressing device to place a proportional amount of compression force on the switch as imparted upon the tissue. The biasing device is set to a desired state-changing tissue compression force so that the switch changes its state when the force on the switch is at least the desired force. Tissue compresses until a force imparted on the switch at least equals the desired state-changing tissue compression force and, at such time, the switching state changes and, thereafter, a surgical procedure is carried out on the compressed tissue.

Surgical stapling apparatus with powered retraction

A surgical stapling apparatus comprises a handle assembly, an actuation shaft having a connector, and a retraction mechanism positioned within the handle assembly. The retraction mechanism includes a motor coupled to a transmission shaft, a first gear rotatably mounted on the transmission shaft, the first gear configured to engage a second gear, a clutch operatively attached to the second gear, a main shaft rotatably connected to the clutch, and a pulley coupled to the main shaft, the pulley being operatively attached to the connector. The connector and the pulley may be attached via a cable. The retraction mechanism may include a spring motor for maintaining the cable in tension. The spring motor may have a spring element wrapped around and interconnecting at least two arbors.

INTERFACE ASSEMBLY FOR CONTROLLING ORIENTATION OF ROBOTICALLY CONTROLLED MEDICAL INSTRUMENT

Interface assemblies for controlling an orientation of a working instrument of a robotic medical instrument system. A base member is coupled to a distal end of an instrument such as a robotically controllable catheter. A spacer element is retained between the base member and a platform member, which is movable relative to the base member about the spacer element. One or more control elements extending through a base member aperture can be used to control an orientation of the platform member and working instrument.

Software framework that facilitates design and implementation of database applications

An intelligent framework is provided that is disposed between a high-level language environment and a database system environment. According to one embodiment, a software framework infers the need for one or more integrity constraints. The software framework programmatically receives (a) information regarding definitions of a multiple data structures associated with multiple objects participating in a software application, and (b) information regarding relationships among the data structures, where each object represents an instance of a data structure of the multiple data structures. Then, the software framework infers the need for one or more integrity constraints based upon the information regarding definitions of the data structures and the information regarding relationships among the data structures. Finally, the software framework instructs a storage system to apply the one or more integrity constraint.

Manipulator system and control apparatus

A manipulator has an operation command unit and an exchangeable working unit. The working unit comprises an end effector operable under actions of a control apparatus, and an ID retaining section holding an ID for individualized discrimination of the working unit. The control apparatus includes an ID identification section for identifying the ID and for determining whether the working unit is connected to the operation command unit, an origin point recognition section for recognizing whether the end effector is in a prescribed origin point position or in a non-origin point position, and a warning section which generates a detachment warning when it is determined that the end effector has been detached from the operation command unit, in the event it is determined that the end effector is in a non-origin point position.

Bioabsorbable Polymer, Bioabsorbable Composite Stents

Biocompatible materials may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices including intraluminal stents. The biocompatible material may comprise metallic and non-metallic materials in hybrid structures. In one such structure, a device may be fabricated with one or more elements having an inner metallic core that is biodegradable with an outer shell formed from a polymeric material that is biodegradable. Additionally, therapeutic agents may be incorporated into the microstructure or the bulk material.

Manipulator and control method therefor

A manipulator has a working unit including an end effector and a posture axis for changing the orientation of the manipulator, a compound mechanism provided on the working unit, and a controller for actuating a gripper axis, a yaw axis, and a roll axis by respectively controlling movement positions of three motors. The controller includes a torque generation detector for detecting a timing at which torque is generated on the gripper axis. When the controller detects the timing at which a torque τg′ is generated on the gripper axis under operation of a given motor, the movement positions of the plural motors are shifted and set, corresponding to the directions at which interference torques are generated with respect to the yaw axis and the roll axis, and to predetermined positions of the same directions.

Systems and methods to determine the name of a location visited by a user of a wireless device

Methods and systems that record the location of a user and transmit targeted content to a user based upon their current and past location information. A network is configured to include a server programmed with a database of targeted content, a database of location information, a database of user information, a database searching algorithm, and a wireless communication system capable of communicating with the user's mobile device. The location of the mobile device is ascertained and recorded. The location information is analyzed to determine the routes taken by the user, businesses visited by the user, and other behaviors of the user. Targeted content is sent to the mobile device of the user and whether the user visits the physical locations associated with the targeted content is monitored. Payment systems, phone exchange systems, and other features may also be integrated to provide detailed conversion tracking to producers of targeted content and business owners.

Systems, methods and devices for performing gynecological procedures

Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. The system and devices provide simplified use and reduced risk of adverse events. Patient benefit is achieved through improved outcomes, reduced pain, especially peri-procedural pain, and reduced recovery times. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic.

Memory management system and method

A memory system and method of operating the same is described, where the memory system is used to store data in a RAIDed manner. The stored data may be retrieved, including the parity data so that the stored data is recovered when the first of either the stored data without the parity data, or the stored data from all but one memory module and the parity data, has been received. The writing of data, for low write data loads, is managed such that only one of the memory modules of a RAID stripe is being written to, or erased, during a time interval.