Abstract: A device for supporting soft tissue includes a tubular body and is constituted of a sequence of compliant portions and anchoring portions. The anchoring portions each include anchor members adapted to penetrate into soft tissue. The compliant portions each include deformable members extending between ends of the compliant portion, at least one of a distance and orientation between said ends being adjustable by application of a force on the tubular body. The tubular body includes a ring-like shape reached at least by deformation of the compliant portions, the ring-like shape having the anchor members of the anchoring portions protruding circumferentially along a direction defined by a vector having a component being at least tangential to the curve of the ring-like shape, for the anchor members to penetrate the soft tissue. A method for anchoring the device to soft tissue is also provided.

Abstract: A device for supporting soft tissue comprises a tubular body and is constituted of a sequence of compliant portions and anchoring portions. The anchoring portions each comprise anchor members adapted to penetrate into soft tissue. The compliant portions each comprise deformable members extending between ends of the compliant portion, at least one of a distance and orientation between said ends being adjustable by application of a force on the tubular body. The tubular body comprises a ring-like shape reached at least by deformation of the compliant portions, the ring-like shape having the anchor members of the anchoring portions protruding circumferentially along a direction defined by a vector having a component being at least tangential to the curve of the ring-like shape, for the retaining members to penetrate the soft tissue. A method for anchoring the device to soft tissue is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manipulating device (A) for producing Schönflies motions comprising a parallel array of at least two legs (B), each leg (B) including an actuator unit (C) having first and second ends and producing a pan-tilt motion, each leg (B) also including a passive unit (D) having first and second ends, the first end of the passive unit (D) being coupled to the first end of the actuator unit (C) such that the passive unit (D) reacts to the pan-tilt motion, a base (1) connected to the second end of each actuator unit (C), all second ends having a constant relative position with respect to one another; and a common end-effector (36) connected to the second end of all passive units (D) such that the common end-effector (36) is provided with a Schönflies motion by the legs (B).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manipulating device (A) for producing Schönflies motions comprising a parallel array of at least two legs (B), each leg (B) including an actuator unit (C) having first and second ends and producing a pan-tilt motion, each leg (B) also including a passive unit (D) having first and second ends, the first end of the passive unit (D) being coupled to the first end of the actuator unit (C) such that the passive unit (D) reacts to the pan-tilt motion, a base (1) connected to the second end of each actuator unit (C), all second ends having a constant relative position with respect to one another; and a common end-effector (36) connected to the second end of all passive units (D) such that the common end-effector (36) is provided with a Schönflies motion by the legs (B).

Abstract: A driving unit for use with a rolling vehicle is provided containing a first and second motor mechanically coupled to two wheels via a transmission unit which is pivotable about the steering axis of the driving unit and adapted to establish a driving relationship between the first motor and one wheel of the unit and for establishing a driving relationship between the second motor and a second wheel of the unit. The coupling between the first motor and second motor and the transmission unit allows the transmission unit to pivot about the steering axis without causing a corresponding pivotal movement of the platform on which the first motor and the second motor are fixedly mounted, while allowing the first motor and the second motor to transmit power to their respective wheels. Various transmission units for use in these driving units are provided as well as rolling vehicles containing such units.

Abstract: A driving unit for use with a rolling vehicle is provided containing a first and second motor mechanically coupled to two wheels via a transmission unit which is pivotable about the steering axis of the driving unit and adapted to establish a driving relationship between the first motor and one wheel of the unit and for establishing a driving relationship between the second motor and a second wheel of the unit. The coupling between the first motor and second motor and the transmission unit allows the transmission unit to pivot about the steering axis without causing a corresponding pivotal movement of the platform on which the first motor and the second motor are fixedly mounted, while allowing the first motor and the second motor to transmit power to their respective wheels. Various transmission units for use in these driving units are provided as well as rolling vehicles containing such units.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism for transmitting motion with a uniform speed transmission factor between first and second moveable elements comprises a set of cams adapted to rotate with the first moveable element about a revolving axis, and corresponding arrays of spaced-apart rollers connected to the second moveable element for movement therewith. The cams cooperate in relays with the corresponding arrays of spaced-apart rollers to continuously communicate motion between the first and second moveable elements. The cams are in rolling contact with the corresponding arrays of rollers, whereby torque and force transmission can be performed smoothly. Furthermore, the transmission mechanism allows for the reversal of both the direction of the input speed and the roles of the first and second moveable elements.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism for transmitting motion with a uniform speed transmission factor between first and second moveable elements comprises a set of cams adapted to rotate with the first moveable element about a revolving axis, and corresponding arrays of spaced-apart rollers connected to the second moveable element for movement therewith. The cams cooperate in relays with the corresponding arrays of spaced-apart rollers to continuously communicate motion between the first and second moveable elements. The cams are in rolling contact with the corresponding arrays of rollers, whereby torque and force transmission can be performed smoothly. Furthermore, the transmission mechanism allows for the reversal of both the direction of the input speed and the roles of the first and second moveable elements.