Abstract: A method (400) of processing signal outputs of a plurality of topologically distinct sensors in response to stimuli is described. The method comprises obtaining (402) a plurality of temporal sensor outputs in parallel. Thereafter, features are extracted (406), the features having dynamic behavior pattern. The extraction is performed in a topology consistent way by arithmetic processing in parallel of neighboring temporal sensor outputs. Furthermore, a quality of the extracted features is being determined.

Abstract: A human skin moisture measuring device having an interdigitated resistive sensor formed on a plate-like transparent support is described, with a face designed to be placed into contact with the skin to be subjected to the moisture degree measurement. The device further comprises image sensing means turned towards the opposite face of the support and a lighting device arranged sideways relative to the support to direct the light radiation in the support at a prefixed angle. Means for processing the signal coming from the interdigitated resistive sensor and from the image sensing means give as output a value of the measured moisture degree that is normalized with respect to the actual surface of contact between skin and sensor.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of nanofilms of conductive polymers is described. The process comprises forming support layers comprised of various polymers and free-standing nanofilms can be obtained thereby. The nanofilms obtained by the process can have characteristics such as strength, flexibility, ability to adhere to different substrates, and biocompatibility, which can make them suitable for numerous different technological applications, and in particular applications in the biomedical field.

Abstract: Piezoelectric nanotransducers for use in an in vivo treatment of cell stimulation through electrical stimulation are described. The nanotransducers are localized in a target site, and an electrical stimulus is induced in the same site through external stimulation of the nanotransducers by ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: An active control method to control the vibrations of an articulated arm consisting of a plurality of segments articulated with respect to each other, by means of an electronic controller, comprising the following steps: a) construction of a modal model of the articulated arm starting from experimental data or from structural models; b) assignation of gains of electronic controller; c) multiplication of gains by the difference between the reference modal coordinates and those calculated through the modal model starting from directly measured quantities, in order to determine the control forces to be applied to the arm, or to at least part of the relative segments; d) evaluation of the modal coordinates by means of a states estimator; e) comparison between measurements estimated using the modal coordinates and real measurements and correction of the estimate, so that the estimate converges on real values.

Abstract: A teleoperated endoscopic capsule for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes inside an animal body cavity, comprising a body (1) with a plurality of locomotion modules (5) placed on its surface, suitable for moving said body in the body cavity. The capsule also comprises an energy source inside said body and a microcontroller in the body (1) for actuating the locomotion modules (5) on the basis of commands teletransmitted by an operator. A video camera is then provided for capturing images controlled by said microcontroller and a transceiver system for receiving the commands teletransmitted by the operator and for transmitting the images gained through the video camera.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for the electroporation of cells contained in a substrate wherein the cells are placed in contact with carbon nanotubes and then said substrate is subjected to the action of two orthogonal pulsed electric fields generated by means of two pairs of electrodes in contact with said substrate according to a specific time sequence in such a way that, when a pair of electrodes is active, the other pair of electrodes is deactivated and vice versa. A device for performing electroporation according to this method.

Abstract: A magnetic actuator for adaptive type actuation comprising a set of permanent magnets (M) including at least one first set of magnets and one second set of magnets spatially arranged so as to be able to interact magnetically with one another; means (SM) for orienting the magnets of one set in relation to the magnets of the other set in order to vary the mutual interaction between them; potential energy storage means (RE) connected to the two sets of magnets to recover the energy needed to orient the magnets.

Abstract: An arm to distribute concrete comprising a plurality of articulated segments selectively able to be folded back and extended with respect to each other, made of composite material, wherein at least one of said segments comprises at least a first tract and a second tract, each having a constant cross section, wherein the section size of the first tract is different from the section size of the second tract, a connection tract being provided between said first tract and said second tract.

Abstract: An electromagnetic step-by-step wobbling micromotor comprises an inner component and an annular component being external to the inner one. The outer component may be a stator and the inner component a rotor, or vice versa. The inner component has three or more poles with a winding on each pole, and an external surface facing an internal surface of the outer component. During the operation of the micromotor each winding is powered. The external and internal surfaces have toothed surfaces. Each tooth has a peak radius which is different from the valley radius.

Abstract: A micro-robotic platform and a method for deploying the platform in a body cavity for performing endoluminal surgical interventions in a fully bimanual fashion. The platform comprises a first (1) and a second (2) surgical robot each provided with a surgical tool (5, 6) and being configured to be attached to the body cavity wall. The first and the second surgical robot each comprises a first (11) and a second (12) snake-like robotic unit, the first snake-like robotic unit (11) comprising a first central unit (13) and first articulated attachment means (7a, b; 8a, b; 9) extending from said first central unit (13) for attaching the first central unit to the body cavity wall.

Abstract: An arm made of composite material, and relative production method, consisting of a plurality of articulated segments with a longitudinal main axis (x), pivoted to each other, each of the articulated segments comprising a box-like structure and at least a joint element attached thereto by means of gluing, the box-like structure having an end cooperating with an end of the joint element on the inside of the surface of the joint element. The ends define a substantially conical reciprocally overlapping area and have profiles concordantly inclined by an angle (?) with respect to the longitudinal axis (x).

Abstract: A method (400) of processing signal outputs of a plurality of topologically distinct sensors in response to stimuli is described. The method comprises obtaining (402) a plurality of temporal sensor outputs in parallel. Thereafter, features are extracted (406), the features having dynamic behavior pattern. The extraction is performed in a topology consistent way by arithmetic processing in parallel of neighboring temporal sensor outputs. Furthermore, a quality of the extracted features is being determined.

Abstract: Teleoperated endoscopic capsule for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes inside a cavity in a human body, comprising a body (11) having a front part (12) and a rear part (13), locomotion legs (18) able to project from the body (11) and, moving means (19) for said legs (18) housed in the same body (11), a source of energy (16), means for image acquisition (15), means for reception/transmission of signals (17) from and to an operator, for permitting capsule the control and transfer of acquired images. The legs (18) are hinged to the body (11) and are subdivided into two separate groups (20, 21). The moving means (19) comprise two driving devices (22) each one comprising a motor (23) connected to a corresponding worm screw (24) on which a translatable nut screw cursor (25) is engaged. The nut screw cursor (25) is kinematically connected to the legs (18) of a respective rou (20, 21).

Abstract: An endoscopic surgery device for the insertion and recovery of a haemostatic plug at the surgical site. The device comprises a tubular body suitable for slidingly housing the plug, and a plunger slidingly engageable within the tubular body so as to push the plug outside the body, and to position it at the surgical site. The plug is connected to a locator that is radio-opaque, has a suitable color, and has a specific weight that allows it to float relative to the internal organs, blood or other fluids present at the surgical site. A loop is provided at a distal end of the plunger and at a proximal end of the plunger, a first handle is provided for actuating the plunger so as to grip the ball and recover the plug after use by retracting the plunger inside the tubular body.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for the electroporation of cells contained in a substrate wherein the cells are placed in contact with carbon nanotubes and then said substrate is subjected to the action of two orthogonal pulsed electric fields generated by means of two pairs of electrodes in contact with said substrate according to a specific time sequence in such a way that, when a pair of electrodes is active, the other pair of electrodes is deactivated and vice versa. A device for performing electroporation according to this method.

Abstract: An active control method to control the vibrations of an articulated arm consisting of a plurality of segments articulated with respect to each other, by means of an electronic controller, comprising the following steps: a) construction of a modal model of the articulated arm starting from experimental data or from structural models; b) assignation of gains of electronic controller; c) multiplication of gains by the difference between the reference modal coordinates and those calculated through the modal model starting from directly measured quantities, in order to determine the control forces to be applied to the arm, or to at least part of the relative segments; d) evaluation of the modal coordinates by means of a states estimator; e) comparison between measurements estimated using the modal coordinates and real measurements and correction of the estimate, so that the estimate converges on real values.

Abstract: Auxiliary forceps are provided for video-assisted minimally-invasive surgery, such as hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery, the forceps being intended for operation by a surgeon's non-dominant hand inserted through an incision for entering a patient's natural body cavity. The forceps comprises a plurality of actuating plates hinged elastically to one another and having a size and shape suitable for operation when held by the tips of two fingers. The forceps also has a plurality of jaws extending from each actuating plate, and a member for temporarily connecting the forceps to the surgeon's hand so as to maintain the forceps at an adjustable distance from the hand of not greater than a predetermined value. In addition, a structure is provided for housing the jaws relatively close to one another, within which the jaws are engaged during operation when the forceps is not in use.