An enhanced flexible robotic endoscopy apparatus includes a main body and flexible elongate shaft. The main body comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a housing that extends to the proximal end and the housing comprises a plurality of surfaces and a plurality of insertion inlets which reside on at least one of the surface of the housing at the proximal end of the main body, through which a plurality of channels for endoscopy are accessible. Each of the insertion inlets has insertion axis corresponding thereto, along which flexible elongate assemblies are insertable, with the insertion axes of the insertion inlets being parallel to the central axis of the flexible elongate shaft at the proximal end of the flexible elongate shaft.

An interface device includes first and second connectors adapted to be joined together in an operating position. One or more first optical data conduits extend through the first connector, with each first optical data conduit terminating at a respective first optical conduit end which is operatively aligned with a respective first optical lens. One or more second optical data conduits extend through the second connector, with each second optical data conduit terminating at a respective second optical conduit end which is operatively aligned with a respective second optical lens. Each respective second optical data conduit and respective second optical lens are aligned for optical coupling across a coupling region with one of the first optical conduits and respective first optical lens when the first connector and second connector are joined in the operating position. The interface also includes a wireless or contact-type electrical power transfer arrangement.

A medical camera system includes a video medical scope defining an enclosed space within a distal portion and a proximal portion that a user can attach and detach to each other. The two portions both have an interface for coupling to each other allowing communications across a patient isolation barrier. Power transfer elements provide for power transfer across the patient isolation barrier. The communication and power transfer may allow rotation of the distal portion with respect to the proximal portion while in use.

A method is disclosed comprising providing a biological sample on a swab, directing a spray of charged droplets onto a surface of the swab in order to generate a plurality of analyte ions, and analysing the analyte ions.

A surgical access assembly comprises a trocar and a surgical instrument. The trocar comprises a housing and an access tube extending distally from the housing. The housing comprises a hollow light emitter. The housing and the access tube define a lumen extending through the housing and the access tube. The hollow light emitter is configured to project light in the lumen. The surgical instrument comprises an end effector and a shaft extending proximally from the end effector. The shaft comprises an optical receiver positioned within reach of the light from the hollow light emitter. The shaft further comprises a light guide extending from the optical receiver along at least a portion of the shaft toward the end effector.

An optical scanning endoscope apparatus includes: an illumination optical fiber that emits light from a tip part oscillatably supported; an actuator that drives the tip part of the illumination optical fiber; and a signal generator that generates, with respect to the actuator, a drive signal for causing the tip part of the illumination optical fiber to spiral scan. The signal generator generates the drive signal which includes: an amplitude expansion period for expanding the amplitude of the drive signal of the fiber from substantially 0 to a maximum value; and an amplitude contraction period for contracting the amplitude of the drive signal from the maximum value to substantially 0, the drive signal having an envelope that smoothly continues, with a gradient of substantially 0, across a border between the periods, with the longer one of the periods being defined as an effective scanning period.

A system comprises a housing, a light source, a light guide configured to guide a light from the light source. The light guide includes a plurality of detection target configured to provide optical effect on the light in accordance with a bend state of the light guide. A light detector is configured to detect the light emitted from the light guide and provide information of the detected light. A communication unit is configured to transmit wirelessly the information of the detected light. The communication unit is disposed in the housing.

An optical transmission module includes an optical element, an optical fiber, a holding section to which the optical fiber is bonded and fixed, and a wiring board including a first principal plane on which the optical element is mounted and a second principal plane on which the holding section is bonded and a connection pad connected to the optical element is disposed, and through which light passes. An adhesive tape is inserted between the holding section and the wiring board. The reinforcing resin does not protrude to an outside of the detachment sheet on the second principal plane of the wiring board.

An optical connector for coupling to a counter-connector mechanically and optically, a portion of an optical transmission line transmitting an optical signal being disposed in the optical connector, includes: a first outer case through which the optical transmission line is inserted and that covers an incidence end or an emitting end of an optical signal through the optical transmission line; a cover plate that is permeable to an optical signal and seals a tip end side coupled to the counter-connector in the first outer case; and a coating film made of amorphous carbon that is disposed on a surface on the tip end side of the cover plate.

A future shape estimation apparatus includes an insertion section, a shape sensor and an insertion section future shape estimation circuit. The insertion section has flexibility and is to be inserted into an observation target object. The shape sensor detects a bending state of the insertion section and outputs a detection signal. The insertion section future shape estimation circuit estimates a future shape of the insertion section after a predetermined lapse of time based on information acquired from the detection signal output from the shape sensor, and outputs the future shape as future estimation shape information.