Exoskeleton

This document discloses, among other things, a wearable structure having links and joints corresponding to those of a human upper body. Transducers are located on the wearable structure and are coupled to a processor. The transducers exchange energy and information between the user and the wearable structure and enable control of the movement of the structure.

Kits and methods for evaluating hair

The invention relates to kits and methods for analyzing hair, particularly for determining the amount of damage to hair, including placing hair into a solution containing at least one metal ion so that an amount of the metal ion is attached to the hair, removing the hair from the solution, determining the amount of metal ion attached to the hair, and determining the amount of damage to the hair based upon the amount of metal ion attached to the hair.

INTRODUCER DEVICE

An introducer and method provides a surgical tool with a pathway through tissue to a surgical site, wherein the surgical tool includes at least one surgical instrument. The introducer comprises a flexible sheath having a distal portion including a distal end and is arranged for receiving the surgical tool. A tissue separation tip at the distal portion of the sheath advances the sheath into the tissue towards the surgical site. The tissue separation tip is arranged to form a tissue gap and provide the at least one surgical instrument access to the tissue gap for performing a medical procedure consonant with the formation of the tissue gap or the performance of work at the surgical site. 1. A method of providing a tissue gap configured to provide access for a surgical tool to a surgical site within tissue , the method comprising:providing an introducer comprising a flexible sheath and a tissue separation tip disposed at a distal portion of the flexible sheath;advancing the tissue separation tip through tissue with the tissue separation tip in a first configuration adapted for said advancing;inflating one or more inflatable members carried by displaceable fingers of the tissue separation tip to form a tissue gap; andopening the fingers while deflating the inflatable members such that a tissue gap is maintained.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:inserting the surgical tool into the introducer sheath; andadvancing the surgical tool through the introducer sheath and the tissue separation tip.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:returning the tissue separation tip to the first configuration; andfurther advancing the tissue separation tip into the tissue with the separation tip in the first configuration.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein returning the tissue separation tip to the first configuration comprises displacing one or more retraction cables drivingly coupled with the fingers.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said advancing the tissue ...

KITS AND METHODS FOR EVALUATING HAIR

The invention relates to kits and methods for analyzing hair, particularly for determining the amount of damage to hair, including placing hair into a solution containing at least one metal ion so that an amount of the metal ion is attached to the hair, removing the hair from the solution, determining the amount of metal ion attached to the hair, and determining the amount of damage to the hair based upon the amount of metal ion attached to the hair.

SKILL EVALUATION USING SPHERICAL MOTION MECHANISM

Software tools, methods and apparatus for objectively assessing surgical and medical procedural skills are described. Data corresponding to performance of a manipulative task by a subject is modeled using Markov modeling techniques and compared with stored models corresponding to each of a plurality of proficiency levels. A particular proficiency level is selected based on proximity of the subject data relative to each of the stored models.

INTRODUCER DEVICE

An introducer and method provides a surgical tool with a pathway through tissue to a surgical site, wherein the surgical tool includes at least one surgical instrument. The introducer comprises a flexible sheath having a distal portion including a distal end and is arranged for receiving the surgical tool. A tissue separation tip at the distal portion of the sheath advances the sheath into the tissue towards the surgical site. The tissue separation tip is arranged to form a tissue gap and provide the at least one surgical instrument access to the tissue gap for performing a medical procedure consonant with the formation of the tissue gap or the performance of work at the surgical site.

SURGICAL DEVICE

A surgical device comprises an external sheath having a proximal end and a distal end for insertion through an opening of a body and a plurality of tool components extending from the distal end of the external sheath. The tool components are independently deflectable with respect to each other and with respect to the external sheath and removable from the device without requiring withdrawal of the sheath through the opening of the body. The external sheath is flexible and deflectable intermediate the distal and proximal ends. This permits the device to be steered in a curvilinear manner towards a surgical target.

Surgical Cockpit Comprising Multisensory and Multimodal Interfaces for Robotic Surgery and Methods Related Thereto

Local surgical cockpits comprising local surgical consoles that can communicate with any desired remote surgical module (surgical robot), for example via a shared Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) or other unified open source communication protocol or other suitable communication system. The systems and methods, etc., herein can also comprise a modular approach wherein multiple surgical consoles can network supporting collaborative surgery regardless of the physical location of the surgeons relative to each other and/or relative to the surgical site. Thus, for example, an operator operating a local surgical cockpit can teleoperate using a remote surgical module on a patient in the same room as the surgeon, or surgeons located in multiple safe locations can telemanipulate remote multiple surgical robots on a patient in or close to a war zone.

SURGICAL SHIELD FOR SOFT TISSUE PROTECTION

A soft tissue protection surgical shield protects collateral soft tissue from damage during a surgical procedure within a surgical space of a body. The shield comprises an elongated flexible shield having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has a first opening and the distal end has a second opening. The shield further comprises a side wall between the proximal and distal ends that defines the first and second openings. The side wall is conformal to the surgical space and arranged to resist perforation by surgical instruments in use during the surgical procedure, and also to define and maintain the access pathway to the surgical site. 1. A method of performing a surgical procedure through an orifice in the head a patient , comprising:moving a distal end of a shield through the orifice;securing the shield in position in the orifice, with a proximal end of the shield external to the head of the patient, and with shield having at least one flexible sidewall substantially conforming to the orifice;moving a distal end of a surgical instrument through the shield and into the head of the patient;performing a surgical procedure in the head of the patient using the surgical instrument; andremoving the shield from the orifice.2. The method of where the orifice is a nostril.3. The method of where the orifice is an incision made in the head of the patient.4. The method of with the shield comprising a flexible thin wall material that conforms to the orifice.5. The method of with the proximal end of the shield stiffer than the distal end of the shield.6. The method of with the shield comprising medical grade plastic or rubber.7. The method of with the shield having a material thickness ranging from 0.01 to 0.12 inches.8. The method of with the distal and/or proximal ends of the shield having a conical shape.9. The method of further comprising securing the proximal end of the shield to relative to the nose of the patient.10. The method of with the securing performed ...

SURGICAL COCKPIT COMPRISING MULTISENSORY AND MULTIMODAL INTERFACE FOR ROBOTIC SURGERY AND METHODS RELATED THERETO

Local surgical cockpits comprising local surgical consoles that can communicate with any desired remote surgical module (surgical robot), for example via a shared Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) or other unified open source communication protocol or other suitable communication system. The systems and methods, etc., herein can also comprise a modular approach wherein multiple surgical consoles can network supporting collaborative surgery regardless of the physical location of the surgeons relative to each other and/or relative to the surgical site. Thus, for example, an operator operating a local surgical cockpit can teleoperate using a remote surgical module on a patient in the same room as the surgeon, or surgeons located in multiple safe locations can telemanipulate remote multiple surgical robots on a patient in or close to a war zone. 121-. (canceled)22. A local surgical cockpit comprising:a local surgical cockpit comprising a local surgical console configured for transmitting surgical movements of an operator operating the local surgical console to a remote surgery site, and comprising a local surgical instrument comprising local input surgical fingers configured to provide input to corresponding remote surgical fingers configured to manipulate a remote surgical instrument at a remote operation site, wherein the local fingers are high frequency haptic fingers configured to provide tactile feedback to the operator based on acceleration of the remote surgical instrument manipulated by the remote surgical fingers.23. The local surgical cockpit of wherein the local surgical cockpit is part of a system and the system further comprises the remote surgical fingers claim 22 , and wherein the remote surgical fingers are haptic fingers configured to provide tactile feedback to the operator based on acceleration of the remote surgical instrument manipulated by the remote surgical fingers.24. The local surgical cockpit of wherein the system ...

Method and composition for the preparation of a sample for analysis

The present invention relates to the preparation of a sample. Preferably, the sample is a sample to be analyzed, for example for ingredient content, etc. Preferred samples include foods, cosmetics, paints, coatings, adhesives, tanning agents, fabrics, chemical compositions, dyestuffs, samples subject to forensic studies, etc. Samples prepared according to the invention method are digested in sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and one or more fluoride salts selected from LiF, NaF, RbF, CsF and KF and then preferably subjected to analysis for metal content, etc, for example using atomic absorption ("AA") and inductively coupled plasma ("ICP").

Introducer device

An introducer and method provides a surgical tool with a pathway through tissue to a surgical site, wherein the surgical tool includes at least one surgical instrument. The introducer comprises a flexible sheath having a distal portion including a distal end and is arranged for receiving the surgical tool. A tissue separation tip at the distal portion of the sheath advances the sheath into the tissue towards the surgical site. The tissue separation tip is arranged to form a tissue gap and provide the at least one surgical instrument access to the tissue gap for performing a medical procedure consonant with the formation of the tissue gap or the performance of work at the surgical site.

DOCKING SYSTEM TO STABILIZE EYEBALL DURING INTRAOCULAR SURGERY

A docking system for intraocular surgery that is configured to simultaneously: (1) physically stabilize a position and an orientation of an eye during intraocular surgical procedures; (2) preserve an unobstructed path for optical instruments; (3) provide access to the eye that allows for tool movement; (4) maintain eyeball hydration and improve the scan quality of an imaging system, such as an OCT system or a surgical microscope and may maintain or control an intraocular pressure of the eye to a stable, desired level during surgical procedures. 1. A docking system for intraocular surgery that is configured to simultaneously:(1) stabilize a position and an orientation of an eye during intraocular surgical procedures;(2) preserve an unobstructed path for optical instruments;(3) provide access to the eye that allows for tool movement;(4) maintain eyeball hydration and improve scan quality of an imaging system, the imaging system including an OCT system or a surgical microscope; and(5) maintain or control an intraocular pressure of the eye to a stable and specified level during surgical procedures.2. The docking system of claim 1 , comprising:a support structure having a first end to accommodate an imaging system, and a second end to accommodate an eyeball;a separation layer disposed within an interior of the support structure to separate the interior into a sterile field and a non-sterile field; anda retaining mechanism disposed adjacent to the second end of the support structure, to secure the eyeball relative to the support structure.3. The docking system of claim 2 , wherein the support structure further includes a side wall that fully covers the surgical fields for the intended ophthalmic surgical operations claim 2 , and one or multiple flexible ports disposed extending through the side wall to accommodate surgical tools.4. The docking system of claim 3 , wherein the side wall separates a tool incision site from the imaging area with a configurable recess feature ...

EXOSKELETON

This document discloses, among other things, a wearable structure having links and joints corresponding to those of a human upper body. Transducers are located on the wearable structure and are coupled to a processor. The transducers exchange energy and information between the user and the wearable structure and enable control of the movement of the structure. 125-. (canceled)26. A system , comprising:an upper link member coupled to a support frame at a shoulder joint;a lower link member coupled to the upper link member at an elbow joint; 'wherein the upper link member and the lower link member are configured for attachment to an arm of a user and wherein a rotation axis of each of the shoulder joint, the elbow joint, and the wrist joint are aligned with corresponding axes of the user;', 'a hand member coupled to the lower link member at a wrist joint,'}a plurality of transducers affixed to at least one of the upper link member, the lower link member, and the hand member;an actuator coupled to at least one of the upper link member, the lower link member and the hand member, wherein the actuator is configured to control at least one of position and velocity of the at least one member relative to the support frame, and wherein the actuator comprises at least one pulley-cable pair; and one transducer of the plurality of transducers; and', 'one bio-sensor capable of sensing bio-signals involved in the movement of the joint., 'a controller configured to execute instructions stored in a memory to control the actuator based on a signal received from at least—'}27. The system of wherein the shoulder joint has three degrees of freedom.28. The system of wherein the shoulder joint comprises a ball and socket joint.29. The system of wherein the wrist joint has two degrees of freedom.30. The system of wherein the bio-sensor comprises a skin-based bio-sensor.31. The system of wherein the transducer comprises a force/torque sensor capable of sensing in six axes.32. The system of ...

Surgical device

A surgical device that has an external sheath having a proximal end and a distal end for insertion through an opening of a body and a plurality of tool components extending from the distal end of the external sheath. The tool components are independently deflectable with respect to each other and with respect to the external sheath and removable from the device without requiring withdrawal of the sheath through the opening of the body. The external sheath is flexible and deflectable intermediate the distal and proximal ends. This permits the device to be steered in a curvilinear manner towards a surgical target.

Spherical Motion Mechanism

This document discusses, among other things, a mechanism for providing motion having two degrees of freedom and centered on a single point within a sphere. Methods to design the mechanism consistent with specified parameters are also described.

Spherical motion mechanism

This document discusses, among other things, a mechanism for providing motion having two degrees of freedom and centered on a single point within a sphere. Methods to design the mechanism consistent with specified parameters are also described.

Surgical cockpit comprising multisensory and multimodal interfaces for robotic surgery and methods related thereto

Local surgical cockpits comprising local surgical consoles that can communicate with any desired remote surgical module (surgical robot), for example via a shared Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) or other unified open source communication protocol or other suitable communication system. The systems and methods, etc., herein can also comprise a modular approach wherein multiple surgical consoles can network supporting collaborative surgery regardless of the physical location of the surgeons relative to each other and/or relative to the surgical site. Thus, for example, an operator operating a local surgical cockpit can teleoperate using a remote surgical module on a patient in the same room as the surgeon, or surgeons located in multiple safe locations can telemanipulate remote multiple surgical robots on a patient in or close to a war zone.

Method for the preparation of a sample for analysis, sample prepared, and method of analysis, and sample analyzed

The present invention relates to the preparation of a sample. Preferably, the sample is a sample to be analyzed, for example for ingredient content, etc. Preferred samples include foods, cosmetics, paints, coatings, adhesives, tanning agents, fabrics, chemical compositions, dyestuffs, samples subject to forensic studies, etc. Samples prepared according to the invention method are digested in sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and one or more fluoride salts selected from LiF, NaF, RbF, CsF and KF and then preferably subjected to analysis for metal content, etc, for example using atomic absorption (“AA”) and inductively coupled plasma (“ICP”).

SKILL EVALUATION

Software tools, methods and apparatus for objectively assessing surgical and medical procedural skills are described. Data corresponding to performance of a manipulative task by a subject is modeled using Markov modeling techniques and compared with stored models corresponding to each of a plurality of proficiency levels. A particular proficiency level is selected based on proximity of the subject data relative to each of the stored models.

System and method for extracting and providing a measure of taxable income and audit likelihood

A system and method for providing a likelihood of auditing a tax return is disclosed. A population of potential solutions of transaction sequences and/or audit score sheets is initialized. Each potential solution in the population is evaluated and assigned an objective score. A subset of the population is selected, preferably a subset with an objective score meeting a predefined criteria. The elected subset is varied using Darwinian concepts, and the previous population is replaced with the new, varied population.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING AUDITING LIKELIHOOD

A method includes mapping a first subset of integers to a plurality of transaction sequences, mapping a second subset of integers to a plurality of audit score sheets and quantitatively analyzing each respective one of the mapped transaction sequences relative to each respective one of the mapped audit score sheets to determine an objective score for each one of the transaction sequences and each one of the audit score sheets. The objective score for each one of the mapped transaction sequences is a function of an estimated tax liability and likelihood of being audited associated with that mapped transaction sequence. The objective score for each one of the mapped audit score sheets is a function of an estimated effectiveness associated with that audit score sheet. The method further includes generating a new population of effective transaction sequences and/or effective auditing policies based on the objective scores. 1. A computer-based method comprising:mapping a first subset of integers to a plurality of transaction sequences;mapping a second subset of integers to a plurality of audit score sheets;quantitatively analyzing each respective one of the mapped transaction sequences relative to each respective one of the mapped audit score sheets to determine an objective score for each one of the transaction sequences and each one of the audit score sheets,wherein the objective score for each one of the mapped transaction sequences is a function of an estimated tax liability and likelihood of being audited associated with that mapped transaction sequence, andwherein the objective score for each one of the mapped audit score sheets is a function of an estimated effectiveness associated with that audit score sheet; andgenerating a new population of effective transaction sequences and/or effective auditing policies based on the objective scores.2. The computer-based method of claim 1 , wherein the quantitative analysis comprises:estimating the tax liability associated ...

Introducer device

An introducer and method provides a surgical tool with a pathway through tissue to a surgical site, wherein the surgical tool includes at least one surgical instrument. The introducer comprises a flexible sheath having a distal portion including a distal end and is arranged for receiving the surgical tool. A tissue separation tip at the distal portion of the sheath advances the sheath into the tissue towards the surgical site. The tissue separation tip is arranged to form a tissue gap and provide the at least one surgical instrument access to the tissue gap for performing a medical procedure consonant with the formation of the tissue gap or the performance of work at the surgical site.

Kits and methods for evaluating hair

The invention relates to kits and methods for analyzing hair, particularly for determining the amount of damage to hair, including placing hair into a solution containing at least one metal ion so that an amount of the metal ion is attached to the hair, removing the hair from the solution, determining the amount of metal ion attached to the hair, and determining the amount of damage to the hair based upon the amount of metal ion attached to the hair.

Improved socket prosthesis

A socket prosthesis assembly and installation procedure are provided. The prosthesis is assembled from two or more components that are mounted together in the joint capsule. Each component is characterized in having a geometrical form such as to enable it to be installed in the joint via a lateral portal made in the long bone of the joint. In this manner, a relatively large socket prosthesis may be provided through a relatively small opening, minimizing trauma to the patient.

Improved socket prosthesis

Method and apparatus for mapping tooth surfaces

Provided herein are platforms and methods for mapping a three-dimensional (3D) dental anatomy of a subject.

Mixed resins

Surgical device

A surgical device comprises an external sheath having a proximal end and a distal end for insertion through an opening of a body and a plurality of tool components extending from the distal end of the external sheath. The tool components are independently deflectable with respect to each other and with respect to the external sheath and removable from the device without requiring withdrawal of the sheath through the opening of the body. The external sheath is flexible and deflectable intermediate the distal and proximal ends. This permits the device to be steered in a curvilinear manner towards a surgical target.

Surgical cockpit comprising multisensory and multimodal interfaces for robotic surgery and methods related thereto

Local surgical cockpits comprising local surgical consoles that can communicate with any desired remote surgical module (surgical robot), for example via a shared Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) or other unified open source communication protocol or other suitable communication system. The systems and methods, etc., herein can also comprise a modular approach wherein multiple surgical consoles can network supporting collaborative surgery regardless of the physical location of the surgeons relative to each other and/or relative to the surgical site. Thus, for example, an operator operating a local surgical cockpit can teleoperate using a remote surgical module on a patient in the same room as the surgeon, or surgeons located in multiple safe locations can telemanipulate remote multiple surgical robots on a patient in or close to a war zone.

Surgical device

A surgical device comprises an external sheath having a proximal end and a distal end for insertion through an opening of a body and a plurality of tool components extending from the distal end of the external sheath. The tool components are independently deflectable with respect to each other and with respect to the external sheath and removable from the device without requiring withdrawal of the sheath through the opening of the body. The external sheath is flexible and deflectable intermediate the distal and proximal ends. This permits the device to be steered in a curvilinear manner towards a surgical target.

Window wiper

Endoscopic device with a dynamic, user-directed, articulating tip

The present invention provides an endoscopic device configure to allow a 360 degree rotation of the tip. In some embodiments, the endoscopic device of the present invention is configured to fit within a working channel of any known endoscopic device and allow independent movement of the tip of the known device, and the device of the present invention, for more precise targeting of a desired anatomic area.

Paint spraying apparatus

Capsulotomy tool and method

A capsulotomy tool having an end effector for creating a controlled automated or assisted precision shaped opening in the anterior capsule. The capsulotomy tool has a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end with an end effector adjacent the distal end of the shaft. In use within an eye the end effector is adapted and configured for controlled cutting of a surface an anterior capsule of the eye. There is also an actuator coupled to the proximal end of the shaft. The actuator is specifically adapted to drive the shaft so as to produce a controlled motion of the end effector. The controlled motion is adapted and configured for directing the controlled cutting to create an opening in an anterior capsule of the eye.

Domestic soft drinks

Domestic soft drinks

Endoscopic device with a dynamic, user-directed, articulating tip

The present invention provides an endoscopic device configure to allow a 360 degree rotation of the tip. In some embodiments, the endoscopic device of the present invention is configured to fit within a working channel of any known endoscopic device and allow independent movement of the tip of the known device, and the device of the present invention, for more precise targeting of a desired anatomic area.

Verfahren zur Herstellung geformter Artikel

Probe for identification of ocular tissues during surgery

According to certain general aspects, the present embodiments relate generally to identifying tissue, fluid and/or anatomical structures at the tip of a surgical tool. The determination of the tissue, fluid and/or anatomical structures that the tool is touching allows the inference of a position inside of a person undergoing surgery. For example, a surgeon may attempt to use a tool to interact with a lens portion of a person's eye during cataract surgery, but the identification of tissue provided by embodiments will indicate that the tool is at a position too deep inside of the eye.

Gameboard

Device for mobilizing lens material and polishing the capsular bag (including at lens equator) during cataract surgery

According to certain general aspects, the present embodiments relate generally to a device that mobilizes the lens material inside the capsular bag. Mobilized lens material is easier to visualize than lens material lingering at the lens equator of the eye, or other areas in the capsular bag that are difficult to visualize, making the mobilized lens material easier to retrieve from the capsular bag. Mobilizing the lens material reduces the possibility that the person receiving the cataract surgery will develop secondary cataracts or infections due to lens material left inside the capsular bag.

Device for mobilizing lens material and polishing the capsular bag during cataract surgery

According to certain general aspects, the present embodiments relate generally to a device that mobilizes the lens material inside the capsular bag. Mobilized lens material is easier to visualize than lens material lingering at the lens equator of the eye, or other areas in the capsular bag that are difficult to visualize, making the mobilized lens material easier to retrieve from the capsular bag. Mobilizing the lens material reduces the possibility that the person receiving the cataract surgery will develop secondary cataracts or infections due to lens material left inside the capsular bag.

Surgical tool holder for intraocular robotic surgical systems

A number of different surgical tool holder assemblies are provided. A number of configurations are suited for use in intraocular robotic surgery. The assembly includes a housing and a kinematic alignment feature on the housing right side and a kinematic alignment feature on the housing left side. There is also a tool sleeve coupled to a surgical instrument and a tool collar coupled to the tool sleeve. There is also a rotary transmission connector on the housing proximal end coupled to a drive shaft and a drive gear, the drive gear engaged to the driven gear. There may also be an alignment plate above the tool holder, the alignment plate having at least one kinematic alignment feature. Several kinematic alignment features are bi-directionally operable.

Surgical tool holder for intraocular robotic surgical systems

A number of different surgical tool holder assemblies are provided. A number of configurations are suited for use in intraocular robotic surgery. The assembly includes a housing and a kinematic alignment feature on the housing right side and a kinematic alignment feature on the housing left side. There is also a tool sleeve coupled to a surgical instrument and a tool collar coupled to the tool sleeve. There is also a rotary transmission connector on the housing proximal end coupled to a drive shaft and a drive gear, the drive gear engaged to the driven gear. There may also be an alignment plate above the tool holder, the alignment plate having at least one kinematic alignment feature. Several kinematic alignment features are bi-directionally operable.

Docking system to stabilize eyeball during intraocular surgery

A docking system for intraocular surgery that is configured to simultaneously: (1) physically stabilize a position and an orientation of an eye during intraocular surgical procedures; (2) preserve an unobstructed path for optical instruments; (3) provide access to the eye that allows for tool movement; (4) maintain eyeball hydration and improve the scan quality of an imaging system, such as an OCT system or a surgical microscope and may maintain or control an intraocular pressure of the eye to a stable, desired level during surgical procedures.