Smart sensors with local signal processing

A device including smart sensors with a local signal processor is disclosed. The device includes an end-effector including at least one sensor and a signal processing component corresponding to the at least one sensor; and a handle configured to receive processed information from the signal processing component. The processed information is generated by the signal processing component at the end-effector based on data received from the at least one sensor at the end-effector.

SMALL DIAMETER SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE

A surgical stapling device (10) includes an outer tube (14) having a proximal body portion (70) and a distal channel portion (74). A distal end (80) of the proximal body portion (70) defines a pair of cutouts (82). An anvil assembly (22) includes an anvil body (26) defining a tissue contact surface (30) and a pair of pivot members (40) which are supported within the cutouts (82). A staple cartridge (44) is supported in the distal channel portion (74) of the outer tube (14) and defines a tissue contact surface (44a). The cutouts (82) are dimensioned to allow movement of the pivot members (40) within the cutouts (82) to allow the tissue contact surface (30) of the anvil body (26) to move in relation to the tissue contact surface (44a) of the staple cartridge (44) from a “parked position” in which the tissue contact surfaces (30, 44a) are in juxtaposed engagement to a “clamped position” in which the tissue contact surfaces (30, 44a) defining a tissue gap (G). A drive member (62) is provided that is formed from sheet metal and includes upper and lower extending members (90, 92) that are positioned to engage the anvil body (26) and the distal channel portion (74) to define a maximum tissue gap (G) between the tissue contact surfaces (30, 44a) of the anvil body (26) and the staple cartridge (44).

Low resistivity films containing molybdenum

Provided herein are low resistance metallization stack structures for logic and memory applications and related methods of fabrication. In some implementations, the methods involve providing a tungsten (W)-containing layer on a substrate; and depositing a molybdenum (Mo)-containing layer on the W-containing layer. In some implementations, the methods involve depositing a Mo-containing layer directly on a dielectric or titanium nitride (TiN) substrate without an intervening W-containing layer.

Surgical handle assembly

Apparatuses for a surgical handle assembly are provided. An example apparatus includes a movable handle member and a switch configured to provide two or more modes of operation for the movable handle member and a driving pawl pivotally connected to a swing wheel configured to advance an actuation shaft linearly in a distal direction in response to actuation of the movable handle member.

Superelastic medical instrument

Certain aspects relate to a superelastic medical instrument that of bending elastically through the tortuous pathways of an endoscope, returning to a straight shape upon deployment from the endoscope, and deploying straight along the axis of the end of the bronchoscope (within a tolerated margin) to distances of 2 cm or more.

Method and apparatus for adaptive bandwidth usage in a wireless communication network

A network node and a wireless device for operation in a wireless communication network, wherein it is determined that a second scheduling bandwidth is needed, based on an amount or type of data buffered for transmission to the wireless device. Reconfiguration of a receiver bandwidth of the wireless device is initiated to match the second scheduling bandwidth, wherein the second scheduling bandwidth is larger than a first scheduling bandwidth currently associated with the wireless device, and wherein the first and second scheduling bandwidths respectively define the bandwidth used for scheduling transmissions to the wireless device. Methods and computer programs therefor are also disclosed.

Patient introducer alignment

A patient introducer for use with a surgical robotic system is disclosed. In one aspect, the patient introducer may include an introducer tube extending between (i) a distal end connectable to a port and (ii) a proximal end configured to receive a surgical tool. The introducer tube may be configured to guide the surgical tool into the port. The patient introducer may also include an alignment member connected to the introducer tube and including a first shape and a first alignment marking. The alignment member may be configured to interface with a manipulator assembly of a robotic system. The manipulator assembly may include a second shape and a second alignment marking, the first shape being complementary to the second shape. The first alignment marking of the alignment member may facilitate rotational alignment of the alignment member and the manipulator assembly.

Indicating a responding virtual assistant from a plurality of virtual assistants

A method for indicating a responding virtual assistant from one of a plurality of virtual assistants is disclosed. The method includes receiving a spoken query from a user of an electronic device. The method includes determining whether the spoken query addresses a particular one of a plurality of virtual assistants on the electronic device. The method includes polling a first set of the virtual assistants with the spoken query in response to the spoken query not addressing a particular one of the plurality of virtual assistants. The method further includes presenting a response to the spoken query with an indicator of a virtual assistant providing the response. An apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed, which perform the method.

Physiological acoustic monitoring system

An acoustic monitoring system has an acoustic front-end, a first signal path from the acoustic front-end directly to an audio transducer and a second signal path from the acoustic front-end to an acoustic data processor via an analog-to-digital converter. The acoustic front-end receives an acoustic sensor signal responsive to body sounds in a person. The audio transducer provides continuous audio of the body sounds. The acoustic data processor provides audio of the body sounds upon user demand.

Patient monitor placement indicator

A monitoring device for measuring one or more physiological parameters of a medical patient can include a finger clip sensor connected to a monitor. A placement indicator helps the patient to properly position the sensor. The monitor can display a message alerting the patient to reposition the sensor. The device can delay measurement until the sensor is properly positioned.