Abstract: The invention provides a prosthetic apparatus (10) and method of operating the same. The prosthetic apparatus (10) includes an upper limb prosthesis (12) comprising at least one mechanically operable digit (14) and at least one sensor configured to be disposed on the user. The at least one sensor being operative to sense a path described by the sensor during movement thereof by the user and to provide a sensed path output in dependence upon the path. The apparatus (10) also includes a processor (24) operative to provide for actuation of the at least one digit (14) in dependence on the sensed path output having a predetermined characteristic and such that the at least one digit (14) moves in a predetermined fashion.

Abstract: A prosthesis covering comprising an outer layer having an exterior surface defining an outermost surface of a prosthesis; and an inner layer having an interior surface that lies adjacent the prosthesis when the prosthesis covering is on the prosthesis. The outer layer defines a space in which the inner layer is received such that an inwardly directed surface of the outer layer lies adjacent an outwardly directed surface of the inner layer. The inwardly directed surface of the outer layer and the outwardly directed surface of the inner layer are attached to each other at a plurality of spaced apart locations, the inwardly directed surface of the outer layer and the outwardly directed surface of the inner layer elsewhere being unattached to each other.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for colouring a cosmetic covering. The apparatus includes image acquisition apparatus (18) operative to acquire an image of a part of a human or animal body to provide a digital colour image, processing apparatus (20) operative to determine a calibration transform for colours of an image acquired by the image acquisition apparatus, the processing apparatus being further operative to transform the digital colour image with the calibration transform to provide a colour compensated digital colour image, pigment mixing apparatus (26) operative to mix a plurality of pigments of different colours in dependence on at least one colour characteristic of at least one colour within the colour compensated digital colour image to produce at least one mixed pigment, and pigment applying apparatus (24) operative to apply the at least one mixed pigment to a cosmetic covering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a movable component of a prosthesis or orthosis. The method (100) comprises moving the component by means of a motor (102) and determining when movement of the component is arrested when the component bears against a surface (104, 106). Thereafter a plurality of driving electrical pulses are applied to the motor (110) in dependence on the determination and when movement of the component is arrested to thereby drive the motor so as to cause the component to bear against the surface with greater force.

Abstract: The invention provides a prosthetic apparatus (10) and method of operating the same. The prosthetic apparatus (10) includes an upper limb prosthesis (12) comprising at least one mechanically operable digit (14) and at least one sensor configured to be disposed on the user. The at least one sensor being operative to sense a path described by the sensor during movement thereof by the user and to provide a sensed path output in dependence upon the path. The apparatus (10) also includes a processor (24) operative to provide for actuation of the at least one digit (14) in dependence on the sensed path output having a predetermined characteristic and such that the at least one digit (14) moves in a predetermined fashion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a covering (10) for a prosthetic hand. The covering (10) comprises a first layer (12) in the form of a glove or mitten configured to cover a prosthetic hand, with the first layer (12) comprising an elastomer. The covering (10) also comprises a second layer (14) disposed over at least part of a surface of the first layer (12), with the second layer being unitary and comprising polyurethane. At least one part of an interior surface of the first layer (12) is uncovered by the second layer (14).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis covering (10). The prosthesis covering (10) comprises: an outer layer (20) having an exterior surface (22) that defines an outermost surface of a prosthesis when the prosthesis covering is in use on the prosthesis; and an inner layer (12) having an interior surface (30) that lies adjacent the prosthesis when the prosthesis covering is in use on the prosthesis. The outer and inner layers have generally a same form and the outer layer defines a space in which the inner layer is received such that an inwardly directed surface (24) of the outer layer (20) lies adjacent an outwardly directed surface (28) of the inner layer (12). The inwardly directed surface (24) of the outer layer (30) and the outwardly directed surface (28) of the inner layer (12) are attached to each other at a plurality of spaced apart locations (16, 18), the inwardly directed surface of the outer layer and the outwardly directed surface of the inner layer elsewhere being unattached to each other.

Abstract: A modular drumstick (1, 100) is comprised of an elongate body (4, 104) and a handle (2, 102) which are removably attached to one another. The drumstick (1, 100) also has three interchangeable weight inserts (24, 124, 26, 126, 28, 128) removably attached thereto at distinct points along its length. By attaching weights of different mass at the distinct points along the stick, the user may adapt the balance, rebound and other performance characteristics of the drumstick.

Abstract: A pressure spring for urging a document (10) against a reading head (22) in a document processing machine, comprises a resilient band (46) on band support arms (50) with different portions of the discontinuous resilient band (46) being selected to lie between the support arms (50). Manually operable means (80), (70) can be provided. In one embodiment, a motor (84) under the action of a controller (106), automatically advances the discontinuous band (46) whenever a service date or a pre-determined document count has been exceeded. Should the discontinuous resilient band (46) reach an extremity of travel, the controller (106) provides that the motor (84) returns the discontinuous resilient band (46) back to its start position.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tensioning system for a drive belt (17). The system includes a tensioner (19) which is mounted to slide towards, and away from, the belt. An idler roller (22) is resiliently mounted in the tensioner (19) and is forced against the belt by means of springs, for example (84 and 85) in FIG. 8 or (102 and 103) in FIG. 9. The springs are arranged so that they increase the force applied by the roller to the belt as the tensioner is moved towards the belt until the force reaches a predetermined value, whereafter further movement over a limited range does ot further increase the force.The invension provides a tensioning system which will provide a predetermined lateral pressure on the belt without the necessity for using measuring apparatus during the adjustment of the static belt tension.

Abstract: A technique of heating a subterranean oil bearing formation comprises determining a thermal harmonic frequency of the formation and applying a form of alternating current to the formation that includes the thermal harmonic frequency to increase the temperature of the formation. Heated oil is produced from the formation. A standard three phase ac power source is converted to dc and then chopped to single phase ac so substantially all of the purchased power can be delivered to the well.