4581 results about "Remote operation" patented technology

The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. These tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. A rotation lock provides for enablement and disablement of rotatability of the end effector. The tool may also include other features. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector.

A hyperdexterous surgical system is provided. The system can include one or more surgical arms coupleable to a fixture and configured to support one or more surgical tools. The system can include an electronic control system configured to communicate electronically with the one or more robotic surgical tools. The control system can electronically control the operation of the one or more surgical tools. The system can include one or more portable handheld controllers actuatable by a surgeon to communicate one or more control signals to the one or more surgical tools via the electronic control system to operate the one or more surgical tools. The one or more portable handheld controllers can provide said one or more control signals from a plurality of locations of an operating arena, allowing a surgeon to be mobile during a surgical procedure and to remotely operate the one or more surgical tools from different locations of the operating arena.

Applications, systems and methods for securely and remotely operating a remote computer from a local computer over a network while providing seamless, firewall-compliant connectivity. Secure and remote operation includes authenticating at least one remote computer for connection to at least one computer over the network and / or at least one local computer for connection to at least one remote computer over the network; establishing a secure connection between the at least one local computer and the at least one remote computer over the network; and integrating a desktop of at least one remote computer on a display of at least one local computer. The connections may be made over a public network, as well as through multiple firewalls without loss of functionality. A method of accessing and using at least one remote computer from a local computer over a public network may include centrally authenticating, at a location having a public address, a first computer having a first, firewall protected private address; creating a first firewall compliant connection between a publicly addressed connection server and the first computer upon authentication of the first computer; establishing a second firewall compliant connection between the publicly addressed connection server and a second computer having a second firewall protected private address; establishing a private-to-public-to-private communications tunnel, wherein the connection server routes communications from the first computer through the first firewall compliant connection and the second firewall compliant connection to the second computer, and from the second computer through the second firewall compliant connection and the first firewall compliant connection to the first computer; and performing at least one further step selected from the group consisting of: integrating a file structure of accessible files accessed at the second or first computer, into a file structure contained at the first or second computer, respectively; at least one of integrating a desktop of the second computer on a display of the first computer and integrating a desktop of the first computer on a display of the second computer; and directly operating the second computer from the first computer or the first computer from the second computer, wherein the computer that is directly operated is selected from the group consisting of: home appliances, video equipment, audio equipment, printers, fax machines, office equipment, medical devices, vehicles, cameras, RFID equipment, laboratory equipment, manufacturing machinery, GPS equipment, and devices having one or more embedded microprocessors.

Articulating mechanisms, link systems, and components thereof, useful for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, the remote manipulation of instruments such as surgical or diagnostic instruments or tools, are provided. The link systems include links wherein torque can be transferred between at least two adjacent links while allowing for pivoting motion between the links. Mechanisms for preventing undesired lateral movement of links relative to one another are also provided.

Systems and methods for switching between autonomous and manual operation of a vehicle are described. In one embodiment, there is a mechanical control system that receives manual inputs from a mechanical operation member to operate the vehicle in manual mode. There is further an actuator that receives autonomous control signals generated by a controller. When the actuator is engaged, it operates the vehicle in an autonomous mode, and when disengaged, it operates the vehicle in manual mode. In another embodiment, there is an E-Stop system to disengage systems that cause the vehicle to move, such as the engine, while still leaving power in the systems that do not cause the vehicle to move. There is a method for autonomous mode starting of a vehicle, comprising receiving a signal indicating autonomous mode, determining that a parking brake lever is set and the brakes are engaged, disengaging the brakes while maintaining the lever in the set position, and engaging in autonomous mode. There is a safety system with a mechanical bias to suppress moveable systems of the vehicle, comprising a clutch that releases the mechanical bias to permit movement of the moveable system when the clutch is engaged. In another embodiment a system comprises a mechanical linkage with a restoration member that permits control of an operation system of the vehicle by a remote operation member when the restoration member is engaged. There is also an actuator that prohibits control of the operation system by the remote operation member when the actuator is engaged.

In a telemanipulation system for manipulating objects located in a workspace at a remote worksite by an operator from an operator's station, such as in a remote surgical system, the remote worksite having a manipulator with an end effector for manipulating an object at the workspace, such as a body cavity, a controller including a hand control at the control operator's station for remote control of the manipulator, an image capture device, such as a camera, and image output device for reproducing a viewable real-time image, the improvement wherein a position sensor associated with the image capture device senses position relative to the end effector and a processor transforms the viewable real-time image into a perspective image with correlated manipulation of the end effector by the hand controller such that the operator can manipulate the end effector and the manipulator as if viewing the workspace in true presence. Image transformation according to the invention includes translation, rotation and perspective correction.

A surgical clip applier for use in closing wounds under the microscope in small blood vessels modifies a well-known clip applier system to make more steady and reliable the application of very small clips during surgery on a scale of vessel size of 2 mm in external diameter and smaller. The known device is modified internally so as to be capable of receiving a flexible remote actuation device which can be a cable release such as used for a camera shutter, or which can be a flexible hydraulic or pneumatic line as a force-transmitting device. Thus, the surgeon can hold the clip applier very steadily at the site desired without contracting any intrinsic muscles while the cable release is depressed by another person, or with the surgeon's other hand, or with a foot pedal.

A system can analyze an application programming interface definition to automatically produce software string generator and parser software components allowing remote access to functions within the application programming interface definition by processes that are not natively compatible with the computing system environment in which the application programming interface operates. A first string generator processes can produce an encapsulated function call from a first process, such as a Java-based process, that calls a first function in a first computing environment. A second parser process operates in a second computing environment to receive the encapsulated function call and to invoke a second function call in a second process, such as a C-based process. Results from the second function call are returned to a second string generator which produces an encapsulated response that is returned to a first parser process. The first parser process maps the encapsulated response back into first function call parameters for return to the first process, thus providing access to second functions of the application programming interface by the first process.

The invention discloses a human-computer interaction method and a device based on vision follow-up and gesture identification. The method comprises the following steps of: facial area detection, hand area detection, eye location, fingertip location, screen location and gesture identification. A straight line is determined between an eye and a fingertip; the position where the straight line intersects with the screen is transformed into the logic coordinate of the mouse on the screen, and simultaneously the clicking operation of the mouse is simulated by judging the pressing action of the finger. The device comprises an image collection module, an image processing module and a wireless transmission module. First, the image of a user is collected at real time by a camera and then analyzed and processed by using an image processing algorithm to transform positions the user points to the screen and gesture changes into logic coordinates and control orders of the computer on the screen; and then the processing results are transmitted to the computer through the wireless transmission module. The invention provides a natural, intuitive and simple human-computer interaction method, which can realize remote operation of computers.

An intelligent power management system that includes a circuit breaker containing a PLC module that spans open contacts of the circuit breaker to provide a communication path for PLC messages between the line and load sides of the circuit when the contacts are open. The contacts are motorized to permit remote operation through PLC messaging. Coupled to the PLC module is a controller, which controls the opening and closing of the motorized contacts under user control or via an adaptive load management algorithm that reduces peak power consumption and adapts a set of loads to changed power supply conditions. The controller can also dynamically alter operational current and fault threshold levels on a real-time basis based upon circuit requirements or environmental conditions. The algorithm runs a state machine and also manages loads in a limited power source environment such as when loads are powered by a generator.

A backup power management system connectable to a primary power source and a secondary power source, and a method of operating the same. The system includes a transfer switch connectable to the primary and secondary power sources, and a plurality of circuit branches connected to the transfer switch. The circuit branches include first and second remotely operated branches having first and second managed circuit breakers, respectively. The system further includes a controller connected to the first and second managed circuit breakers. The controller controls the managed circuit breakers, thereby controlling the current through the first and second managed circuit branches.

An information equipment remote operating system includes an operated-side information equipment and an operating-side information equipment. The operated-side information equipment includes a view region storing unit for storing view information regarding a view region correlated with an window, a screen information processing unit for generating an image to be displayed on an operating-side display unit as an initial state based on the view information, a communication unit, and a control information processing unit for operating an application. The operating-side information equipment includes a communication unit, a view region storing unit for storing the view information, a screen information processing unit for displaying images on multiple display regions in high to low display priority order, and a control information processing unit for transmitting application operating information to the operated-side information equipment.

A method for coupling at least one of a wall mount and a ceiling mount adjustable IR driver with a two way IR network of a home automation system controlled by a main controller selected from a group comprising a dedicated controller, a video interphone and a shopping terminal, the IR driver includes a plurality of adjustable IR transmitters and at least one IR receiver for propagating IR commands to at least one of hand held IR remote control units, electrical appliances and devices selected from a group comprising a remotely operated relays, an AC current sensors and a keypads, and for receiving from at least one of the devices a status data, said IR commands include at least a power on-off command for switching an appliance on and off and the status data pertaining to the on and off statuses of a commanded appliance.

The apparatus according to the current invention, referred herein as “Rescue Cell” is an AED integrated into a handheld device such as mobile phone; pocket PCs, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), etc. Rescue Cell device according to embodiments of the present invention is portable; it is integrated into a device that is in regular use by most people. A user of a Rescue Cell is likely to carry his Rescue Cell device with him during his daily routine and to have the device at hand most of the time. Thus, there is high likelihood of the Rescue Cell to be available to him in case of cardiac emergency to himself or to someone near him.

Systems and methods are provided through which an application is executed on a server, and operated from a client operably coupled to the server. State information of the application is maintained through parallel objects on both the client and the server, thereby minimizing the communications requirements between the client and the server in the operation of the application. More specifically, the communications requirements and updates of attributes of the application is minimized.

Portable x-ray devices and methods for using such devices are described. The devices have an x-ray tube powered by an integrated power system. The x-ray tube is shielded with a low-density insulating material containing a high-Z substance. The devices can also have an integrated display component. With these components, the size and weight of the x-ray devices can be reduced and the portability of the devices enhanced. The x-ray devices also have an x-ray detecting means that is not structurally attached to the device and therefore is free standing. Consequently, the x-ray devices can also be used as a digital x-ray camera. The portable x-ray devices are especially useful for applications where portability is an important feature such as in field work, remote operations, and mobile operations such as nursing homes, home healthcare, or teaching classrooms. This portability feature can be particularly useful in multi-suite medical and dental offices where a single x-ray device can be used as a digital x-ray camera in multiple offices instead of requiring a separate device in every office.

A pipe inspection system employing a camera head assembly incorporating multiple local condition sensors, an integral dipole Sonde, a three-axis compass, and a three-axis accelerometer. The camera head assembly terminates a multi-channel push-cable that relays local condition sensor and video information to a processor and display subsystem. A cable storage structure includes data connection and wireless capability with tool storage and one or more battery mounts for powering remote operation. During operation, the inspection system may produce a two- or three-dimensional (3D) map of the pipe or conduit from local condition sensor data and video image data acquired from structured light techniques or LED illumination.

A method, system and computer program product are disclosed for enhancing the security of a message sent through a network server from a client computer to a destination server running any computer platform. Credentials for authorizing a principal are obtained by the client computer from a validation center. The principal-authentication information is transmitted to the network server. The network server may use the principal-authenticating information to obtain permission data from the validation center for use in accessing the destination server. Also described is a method of providing a remote interactive login connection using the same method.

An aerially deployed illumination system is provided which may be remotely operated or preprogrammed to illuminate a designated target, such as a geographic area, vehicle, or personnel. In particular, a remotely controlled UAV having an illumination system disposed thereon is provided, the illumination system comprised of a concentrated light source and light movement apparatus operable to rapidly scan the target with the light source, thereby providing an illusion of a large area of illumination. Preferably, a line is created from the light source, the line being rapidly moved over the target in specific patterns and at specific frequencies. The system may further include a plurality of UAV's capable of ad hoc networking, so as to illuminate both large areas, as well as stationary and moving targets. In addition, the UAV's having an illumination system disposed thereon may be disposed within a projectile, the projectile tube or gun launched, and the UAV ejected from the projectile over a designated target, thereby enabling quick delivery of the UAV to an area of interest.

There is provided a power system for an area containing a set of power consumers which can be applied to a collective housing consisting of a single or more buildings and can prevent power supply stop of a supply line having a higher priority. The system includes: means for cutting off each of the power supply lines in a single power consumer section from a remote management section by remote operation; means for setting the power consumption limit amount within the maximum power that can be supplied to the single power consumption section via the Internet; and means for setting the power supply priority for the power supply lines in advance and outputting an instruction to cut off power in the power supply line having the lowest power supply priority by the remote out-off means when the remote measurement value of the total power consumption amount exceeds the set value of the power consumption limit amount.

The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art mobile oil field heat exchange systems by providing an improved frac water heating system. The present invention is a self-contained unit which is easily transported to remote locations. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a single-pass tubular coil heat exchanger contained within a closed-bottom firebox having a forced-air combustion and cooling system. In another embodiment, the present invention includes multiple, single-pass heat exchanger units arranged in a vertically stacked configuration. The rig also includes integral fuel tanks, hydraulic and pneumatic systems for operating the rig at remote operations in all weather environments. In a preferred embodiment, the improved frac water heating system is used to heat water on-the-fly (i.e., directly from the supply source to the well head) to complete hydraulic fracturing operations. The present invention also includes systems for regulating and adjusting the fuel / air mixture within the firebox to maximize the combustion efficiency. The system includes a novel hood opening mechanism attached to the exhaust stack of the firebox.

The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art mobile oil field heat exchange systems by providing an oil-fired heat exchange system. The present invention is a self-contained unit which is easily transported to remote locations. The present invention includes a single-pass tubular coil heat exchanger contained within a closed-bottom firebox having a forced-air combustion and cooling system. The rig also includes integral fuel tanks, hydraulic and pneumatic systems for operating the rig at remote operations in ail weather environments. In a preferred embodiment, the oil-fired heat exchanger system is used to heat water on-the-fly (i.e., directly from the supply source to the well head) to complete hydraulic fracturing operations. The present invention also includes systems for regulating and adjusting the fuel / air mixture within the firebox to maximize the combustion efficiency. The system includes a novel hood opening mechanism attached to the exhaust stack of the firebox.

A remotely controllable door operator apparatus is mountable to a doorframe structure and a movable door to control door movement between a closed position and an opened position. The operator apparatus includes a motor assembly, a linkage device, a slip clutch assembly, and a controller unit. The motor assembly has an output shaft, and the motor is mountable to one of the door and the door frame structure. The slip clutch assembly is coupled between the output shaft and the linkage device to transfer torque therebetween, and can slip to enable manual and remote operation of the door. The controller unit is coupled to the motor assembly to activate the operator apparatus to close the door in manual operation, and to open and to close the door in response to at least one remote signal. A method of using the remotely controllable automatic door operator and closer is also disclosed.

A safety valve control system may include a remotely operable control assembly, a first transducer, a valve assembly, and a compressor assembly in communication with the control assembly. The control assembly is operable to actuate the pump and valve assemblies to supply fluid to actuate the safety valve into open and closed positions, in response to one or more signals received from the first transducer. A method of operation may include maintaining the safety valve in an open or closed position while sensing a physical property with the control system; communicating a signal corresponding to the sensed physical property to the control system; and automatically closing or opening the safety valve in response to a comparison of the sensed physical property to a pre-set condition.