Abstract: A stent graft system includes a plurality of stents that are configured to be assembled in situ to provide an aortal stent graft assembly. The system may include a tubular segment that is configured to engage healthy aortic tissue, a plurality of segments configured to sealingly engage the tubular segment and comprising one or a plurality of vents or side channels that are oriented proximally and are configured to receive and seal with smaller-diameter stent grafts. In some embodiments, the system further includes a tubular segment having a bifurcated distal end. For example, the system may be assembled to provide a flow channel and support structure for stent grafts that engage one or more of the right and left iliac arteries, the celiac artery, the superior mesenteric artery, and the renal arteries.

Abstract: A tactile garment, such as a gaming vest (420) or other garment or body-enveloping device. A pneumatic force-generating device (425) is embedded in the vest in multiple cell zones for selectively applying a modulated force to a user wearing the multi-layered vest. A compressed air source comprising a compressor (612) and an associated canister (606) selectively actuates the pneumatic force-generating devices to produce a tactile response. A control valve assembly couples the pneumatic force-generating device to the compressed air source. A controller (426) selectively opens and closes the control valve to modulate the pneumatic force-generating device and generate forces simulating real forces, such as impact and G-forces. Force sensors may be deployed in the cell zones to provide force data for generating secondary forces.

Abstract: A tactile garment, such as a gaming vest (420) or other garment or body-enveloping device. A pneumatic force-generating device (425) is embedded in the vest in multiple cell zones for selectively applying a modulated force to a user wearing the multi-layered vest. A compressed air source comprising a compressor (612) and an associated canister (606) selectively actuates the pneumatic force-generating devices to produce a tactile response. A control valve assembly couples the pneumatic force-generating device to the compressed air source. A controller (426) selectively opens and closes the control valve to modulate the pneumatic force-generating device and generate forces simulating real forces, such as impact and G-forces. Force sensors may be deployed in the cell zones to provide force data for generating secondary forces.

Abstract: One embodiment of an imaging exam assembly (900) for palpating a body and obtaining images of the body is provided. The imaging exam assembly includes a housing (904) having a variable pressure-producing device (918) disposed at least partially within the housing, the variable pressure-producing device operable to generate a palpation pressure upon the body. The imaging exam assembly further includes an imaging device (936) disposed at least partially within the housing, the imaging device operable to obtain images of the body to determine an impact of the palpation pressure upon the body.

Abstract: A simulator assembly (600) for simulating the tactile response of an item is disclosed. The simulator assembly includes a playback module (602) having sensory modulation subunits (636) operable to exert a force in response to an input signal. A tactile playback assembly (800) for translating input signals into tactile sensations upon a user is also provided. The tactile playback assembly includes a playback garment (806) having sensory modulation subunits adapted to generate a force upon a user in response to an input signal. An imaging exam assembly (900) for palpating a body and obtaining images of the body is also disclosed. An ultrasonic imaging system is further disclosed. A device for remotely conducting a direct manual examination of a patient is disclosed. A method of imparting tactile sensations to a body of a user is disclosed. A method of recording tactile data is disclosed.

Abstract: A simulator assembly (600) for simulating the tactile response of an item is disclosed. The simulator assembly includes a playback module (602) having sensory modulation subunits (636) operable to exert a force in response to an input signal. A tactile playback assembly (800) for translating input signals into tactile sensations upon a user is also provided. The tactile playback assembly includes a playback garment (806) having sensory modulation subunits adapted to generate a force upon a user in response to an input signal. An imaging exam assembly (900) for palpating a body and obtaining images of the body is also disclosed. An ultrasonic imaging system is further disclosed. A device for remotely conducting a direct manual examination of a patient is disclosed. A method of imparting tactile sensations to a body of a user is disclosed. A method of recording tactile data is disclosed.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that enables a physician to remotely perform a physical examination of a patient. The device includes a hand control unit (100) that is shaped to accommodate a physician's hand, and includes a number of sensory modulation subunits (140) that can simultaneously detect applied pressure and exert pressure back to the physician. The hand control unit (100) connects through a computer (160) to a remote patient examination module (200). The patient examination module (200) interfaces with a remotely located patient, preferably by wrapping around the portion of the patient's body that is to be examined. The patient examination module (200) includes a plurality of sensory modulation subunits (240) arranged in an array forming a flexible pad (202).