A flexible surgical instrument has structural backbones in crossed arrangement, the flexible surgical instrument includes a flexible continuum structure comprising a distal structure, a proximal structure and a middle connection body; the distal structure includes a first distal segment and a second distal segment, the proximal structure includes a proximal segment; first segment structural backbone(s) on the proximal segment and first segment structural backbone(s) on the first distal segment are fixedly connected respectively one to one or are of the same structural backbone; second segment structural backbone(s) on the proximal segment and second segment structural backbone(s) the second distal segment are fixedly connected respectively one to one or are of the same structural backbone; the middle connection body includes two passage fixing plates, between which structural backbone guiding passage(s) and structural backbone cross guiding passage(s) are fixedly connected; the first segment structural backbone(s) (163, 123) extends through the structural backbone cross guiding passage(s) (153), the second segment structural backbone(s) extends through the structural backbone guiding passage(s).

A flexible surgical instrument has structural backbones in crossed arrangement, the flexible surgical instrument includes a flexible continuum structure comprising a distal structure, a proximal structure and a middle connection body; the distal structure includes a first distal segment and a second distal segment, the proximal structure includes a proximal segment; first segment structural backbone(s) on the proximal segment and first segment structural backbone(s) on the first distal segment are fixedly connected respectively one to one or are of the same structural backbone; second segment structural backbone(s) on the proximal segment and second segment structural backbone(s) the second distal segment are fixedly connected respectively one to one or are of the same structural backbone; the middle connection body includes two passage fixing plates, between which structural backbone guiding passage(s) and structural backbone cross guiding passage(s) are fixedly connected; the first segment structural backbone(s) (163, 123) extends through the structural backbone cross guiding passage(s) (153), the second segment structural backbone(s) extends through the structural backbone guiding passage(s).

A door opening device comprising a multi-directional head and a telescoping pole is provided. The multi-directional head allows the operator to choose the angle when opening the door and the telescoping pole allows the operator to remain at a distance away from the doorway while operating the doorknob. By allowing an operator to remain around a corner when opening a door, an armed and cornered individual is less able to harm the operator by shooting through the door.

A door opening device comprising a multi-directional head and a telescoping pole is provided. The multi-directional head allows the operator to choose the angle when opening the door and the telescoping pole allows the operator to remain at a distance away from the doorway while operating the doorknob. By allowing an operator to remain around a corner when opening a door, an armed and cornered individual is less able to harm the operator by shooting through the door.

The present invention relates to devices and methods for controlled motion of a tool. In one embodiment, the device can support a tool needed to perform an activity requiring a highly-precise, stable motion, while also accommodating a person's hand for the purposes of moving the tool. In another embodiment, the device of the present invention allows for rotational motion of a tool independently of the directive motion of the tool. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to the design of a force transducer useful in a cooperative robot. The device and methods of the present invention are particularly useful for microsurgery or other tasks that are typically performed using cooperative robotics.

The present invention relates to devices and methods for controlled motion of a tool. In one embodiment, the device can support a tool needed to perform an activity requiring a highly-precise, stable motion, while also accommodating a person's hand for the purposes of moving the tool. In another embodiment, the device of the present invention allows for rotational motion of a tool independently of the directive motion of the tool. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to the design of a force transducer useful in a cooperative robot. The device and methods of the present invention are particularly useful for microsurgery or other tasks that are typically performed using cooperative robotics.

A reaching and grabbing tool is provided. The tool includes a trigger assembly having a trigger and a handle. A jaw assembly is provided having at least one jaw operably connected to the trigger to move the at least one jaw. A hinge assembly is disposed between the trigger assembly and the jaw assembly, the hinge assembly being selectively lockable between an operating position and a folded position.

A lobster catching device includes an elongated hollow shaft having a control mechanism connected to the first end, and a grasping assembly connected to the second end. The control mechanism includes a handle and trigger that move a wire within the shaft. The wire transitions a pair of arms extending outward from the grasping assembly between an open and closed position, and a trigger lock secures the assembly in the current position when engaged. The arms are constructed from a malleable material which bends when a maximum pressure is applied onto the lobster to prevent crushing the animal. A blocking panel is connected to the main body of the grasping assembly and includes a planar member that is oriented parallel to the arms. The blocking panel engages the tail of a lobster when the arms are grabbing the carapace.

A lobster catching device includes an elongated hollow shaft having a control mechanism connected to the first end, and a grasping assembly connected to the second end. The control mechanism includes a handle and trigger that move a wire within the shaft. The wire transitions a pair of arms extending outward from the grasping assembly between an open and closed position, and a trigger lock secures the assembly in the current position when engaged. The arms are constructed from a malleable material which bends when a maximum pressure is applied onto the lobster to prevent crushing the animal. A blocking panel is connected to the main body of the grasping assembly and includes a planar member that is oriented parallel to the arms. The blocking panel engages the tail of a lobster when the arms are grabbing the carapace.

A holding apparatus, in particular a holding arm and/or tripod, for medical purposes, comprises a proximal end for attaching the holding apparatus to a base and a distal end for receiving an add-on device; at least one first and one second arm segment, where the first arm segment is connected to a first joint and the second arm segment is connected to a second joint, where each joint is releasable and lockable; an operating device for releasing and/or locking the respective joint for putting the holding apparatus into a desired pose; and a first display unit which is arranged on the first joint and a second display unit which is arranged on the second joint. The first and/or second display unit is configured to display at least one status of the holding apparatus and/or of an add-on device that is different from the releasing and/or locking of the respective joint. The invention further relates to a method.