A method for determining a shape of a lumen in an anatomical structure comprises reading information from a plurality of strain sensors disposed substantially along a length of a flexible medical device when the flexible medical device is positioned in the lumen. When the flexible medical device is positioned in the lumen, the flexible medical device conforms to the shape of the lumen. The method further comprises computationally determining, by a processing system, the shape of the lumen based on the information from the plurality of strain sensors.

A precision tripod motion system is provided. The tripod motion system in one example includes a bottom plate including three spaced-apart bottom single-degree-of-freedom hinges, a top plate including three spaced-apart top three-degrees-of-freedom (TDOF) joints, wherein the top plate is configured to receive a workpiece. Each linear actuator of three linear actuators is coupled to an associated SDOF hinge of the bottom plate and coupled to an associated TDOF joint of the top plate. Each linear actuator is configured to change length over a linear actuation span and configured to return the top plate to a predetermined set position after the top plate is displaced by an external force Each linear actuator includes a ball coupled to the associated three TDOF joint and a positioning actuator configured to move the ball to the predetermined set position prior to the return of the top plate to the predetermined set position.

An instrument manipulator may comprise a frame comprising an outer shell and an inner frame, the inner frame being movably coupled to the outer shell. The instrument manipulator may also include a plurality of actuator outputs protruding in a distal direction from the frame and an instrument support feature coupled to the outer shell. The instrument manipulator may further comprise a latching mechanism, the latching mechanism being configured to move the inner frame, the outer shell, or both relative to one another, so as to operably engage the plurality of actuator outputs with a plurality of actuator inputs of an instrument supported by the instrument support feature.

In an embodiment, the present invention discloses cleaned storage processes and systems for high level cleanliness articles, such as extreme ultraviolet (EUV) reticle carriers. A decontamination chamber can be used to clean the stored workpieces. A purge gas system can be used to prevent contamination of the articles stored within the workpieces. A robot can be used to detect the condition of the storage compartment before delivering the workpiece. A monitor device can be used to monitor the conditions of the stocker.

A substrate processing apparatus including a frame, a first SCARA arm connected to the frame, including an end effector, configured to extend and retract along a first radial axis; a second SCARA arm connected to the frame, including an end effector, configured to extend and retract along a second radial axis, the SCARA arms having a common shoulder axis of rotation; and a drive section coupled to the SCARA arms is configured to independently extend each SCARA arm along a respective radial axis and rotate each SCARA arm about the common shoulder axis of rotation where the first radial axis is angled relative to the second radial axis and the end effector of a respective arm is aligned with a respective radial axis, wherein each end effector is configured to hold at least one substrate and the end effectors are located on a common transfer plane.

A drape includes a first drape portion configured to receive a manipulator arm of a surgical system and a pocket coupled to a distal portion of the first drape portion. The pocket is configured to receive a manipulator of the surgical system. The pocket includes a flexible membrane positionable between an output of the manipulator and an input of a surgical instrument mountable to the manipulator. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane is located at a distal end of the pocket. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane is configured to allow an actuating force to be transmitted from the output of the manipulator to the input of the surgical instrument. In some embodiments, the pocket provides a sterile barrier between the manipulator and the surgical instrument. In some embodiments, the drape further includes a rotatable seal configured to couple a proximal opening of the pocket to the first drape portion.

A force sensor unit includes a force sensor, a casing housing the force sensor within a space surrounded by one end portion, another end portion, and a side portion, an attachment member having a first attachment portion that can be attached to a robot arm of a robot and a second attachment portion detachably attached to the one end portion of the casing in a position different from that of the first attachment portion, and a wiring cable connected to the force sensor and routed from inside the casing to outside of the casing, wherein a positioning portion for positioning with respect to the robot arm is provided in the first attachment portion, and a part of the wiring cable is provided along a circumferential direction of the side portion.

Disclosed herein is an articulated manipulator capable of moving a tool such as an inspection device, a processing device, or a welding device to a desired position for inspection or repair of a defect portion in a limited place. The articulated manipulator includes a base plate, a movable unit slidably coupled on the base plate, a rotatable unit rotatably coupled on the movable unit, and a rotation unit rotatably coupled to one side of the rotatable unit.

An end effector for a computer-assisted surgical system includes a mount configured to be coupled to an arm and a housing coupled to the mount and configured to interchangeably support a first operating member and a second operating member. When the housing supports the first operating member, the housing is configured to prevent translation of the first operating member relative to the mount. When the housing supports the second operating member, the housing is configured to allow translation of the second operating member relative to the mount along a first axis.

Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information maybe stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.