Abstract:
A surgical system that may include a remotely controlled surgical instrument. The surgical instrument may be coupled to a tool driver that can spin and actuate the instrument. The instrument may include an actuator rod that is coupled to an end effector and detachably connected to a push rod. The push rod can move relative to the handle to actuate the end effector. The end effector may include a fixture that conforms to the shape of a needle. The handle can be secured to the tool driver by inserting pins into corresponding slots that are located on both the instrument and the tool driver. The instrument can be controlled by an operator through a pair of handles. Each handle may be mechanically balanced by a counterweight. The surgical system may also include a touchpad that allows the operator to enter parameters of the system.
Abstract:
A system for performing minimally invasive cardiac procedures. The system includes a pair of surgical instruments that are coupled to a pair of robotic arms. The instruments have end effectors that can be manipulated to hold and suture tissue. The robotic arms are coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the end effectors. The movement of the handles is scaled so that the end effectors have a corresponding movement that is different, typically smaller, than the movement performed by the hands of the surgeon. The scale factor is adjustable so that the surgeon can control the resolution of the end effector movement. The movement of the end effector can be controlled by an input button, so that the end effector only moves when the button is depressed by the surgeon. The input button allows the surgeon to adjust the position of the handles without moving the end effector, so that the handles can be moved to a more comfortable position. The system may also have a robotically controlled endoscope which allows the surgeon to remotely view the surgical site. A cardiac procedure can be performed by making small incisions in the patient's skin and inserting the instruments and endoscope into the patient. The surgeon manipulates the handles and moves the end effectors to perform a cardiac procedure such as a coronary artery bypass graft.
Abstract:
Strand Displacement Amplification methods (thermophilic SDA) which can be performed over a broad temperature range (37.degree. C. to 70.degree. C.). The preferred temperature range for thermophilic SDA is 50.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. It has been found that certain thermophilic restriction endonucleases are capable of nicking the hemimodified restriction endonuclease recognition/cleavage site as required by SDA and dissociating from the site. It has further been found that certain thermophilic polymerases are capable of extending from the nick while displacing the downstream strand. Thermophilic SDA, because of reaction temperatures higher than previously possible with conventional SDA enzyme systems, has improved specificity and efficiency, reduced nonspecific background amplification, and potentially improved yields of amplification products. In addition, the need to add the enzymes in a separate step after the initial heat denaturation of double stranded targets is eliminated when enzymes capable of tolerating the denaturation temperature are used.
Abstract:
A programmable integrated circuit includes configurable logic blocks (CLB's), configurable input/output blocks (IOB's) and an interconnect network for providing program-defined routing of signals between the CLB's and IOB's. The interconnect network includes direct connect means for providing programmably-selectable, dedicated connections between a first CLB and one or more adjacent CLBs and further between a first CLB and one or more CLBs. The interconnect network also includes peripheral direct connect means for providing programmably-selectable, dedicated connections between a first configurable IOB and first and second CLBs.
Abstract:
Non-stressed, high strength, substantially inflexible, rigid, cement-containing pipe, for example, asbestos-cement pipe well adapted as high pressure water pipe, comprising a tubular article body of spirally wound up layers of asbestos-cement, and a plurality of helical windings of a continuous filament of an aromatic polyamide fiber known and obtainable as KEVLAR aramid fiber about one or more of the asbestos-cement layers within the interior of the pipe without being stretched and without being in tension. The aromatic polyamide fiber of the continuous filament is of high tensile strength of about 390,000 psi or higher and a low elongation capability of no more than 7%, and the continuous filament of the belical windings is maintained about the cement-containing composition within the interior of the pipe without being stretched and without being in tension. Non-stressed, high strength concrete pipe is also embodied in the invention. The outer exposed main surface of the pipe is usually free or substantially free of the continuous filament.
Abstract:
Apparatus for depositing fibrous material into containers wherein a predetermined amount of fibrous material is extruded from a chamber holding the main mass of material into a slidable member mounted for reciprocal movement with respect to the chamber. The sliding member is movable to shear the predetermined extruded amount from the main mass and permit it to be deposited into receiving containers.
Abstract:
A switching circuit has an operational amplifier connected between positive and negative supply lines and has its non-inverting input terminal connected through a resistor to an intermediate supply line. The inverting input terminal of the amplifier is fed with a signal the polarity of which varies with respect to the intermediate input terminal, and a capacitor and a resistor are connected in series between the output and non-inverting input terminal of the amplifier. The arrangement can be used in a control circuit for an electrically driven vehicle.
Abstract:
There is disclosed a water vapor permeable shoe upper material having at least three layers, the density, thickness and structure of the layers having a defined novel relationship whereby an improved cut tear to stiffness relationship is achieved.
Abstract:
A control circuit for an electrically driven vehicle has a switch with a central off position, and operative positions in which the motor of the vehicle drives the vehicle forwardly and rearwardly. Delay means is provided operable when the switch is in its central off position for maintaining energisation of the control circuit for a predetermined period of time, so that loads are not deenergised as the switch is moved through its off position to change the direction of operation of the truck. In the preferred form, movement of the switch to its off position reduces the demanded armature current to zero.