Abstract: This invention relates to a robotic exoskeleton comprising mechanical linkages that couple to one or more selected joints of a limb of a subject. The robotic exoskeleton may be provided with means for obtaining data respecting angular position, torque, and/or acceleration of at least one of the joints or the links of the mechanical linkages, and may be used for assessing, studying, diagnosing a deficit, and/or treating an impairment in sensorimotor function of a limb of a subject.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for improving communications between humans and devices. The invention provides a method of modulating operation of a device, comprising: providing an attentive user interface for obtaining information about an attentive state of a user; and modulating operation of a device on the basis of the obtained information, wherein the operation that is modulated is initiated by the device. Preferably, the information about the user's attentive state is eye contact of the user with the device that is sensed by the attentive user interface.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for improving communications between humans and devices. The invention provides a method of modulating operation of a device, comprising providing an attentive user interface for obtaining information about an attentive state of a user; and modulating operation of a device on the basis of the obtained information, wherein the operation that is modulated is initiated by the device. Preferably, the information about the user's attentive state is eye contact of the user with the device that is sensed by the attentive user interface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for assessing proprioception in a subject. One embodiment of an apparatus of the invention comprises two articulating members attachable to a pair of limbs of a subject, and provides data relating to geometry and/or location and/or motion of each limb in 2- or 3-dimensional space. The apparatus may include means for monitoring gaze direction. The apparatus may comprise a robotic linkage. One embodiment of the method comprises obtaining data relating to the geometry and/or location and/or motion of the limbs, or portions thereof, of a subject as the subject performs a matching task. Another embodiment comprises obtaining data relating to the location of a limb of a subject, together with data relating to gaze direction as the subject looks toward the perceived location of limb.

Abstract: An electroporation apparatus provides for the electroporation of adherent cells attached to an electrode surface or suspended cells in close proximity to an electrode surface. In one embodiment, the electrodes are transparent to allow cell viewing using a microscope or an automated image analysis machine. The geometry of the electrodes and associated electrically non-conductive structures may provide for well-defined regions of electroporated and non-electroporated adherent cells with a clearly defined interface between these regions, facilitating comparison of electroporated cells and non-electroporated cells, and evaluation of transfer of material from cell to cell via intercellular gap junctions.

Abstract: This invention provides an electronic ballast for a fluorescent lamp, including a rectifier for converting an alternating current input voltage into a direct current output voltage, and a circuit including a combined power factor correction (PFC) stage and an inverter, wherein the PFC stage and the inverter share a switch. Also provided is a controller for an electronic ballast, including a duty ratio controller that controls a duty ratio of a switch of the ballast, and means for adjusting the duty ratio according to a nonlinear function, so that an arc is sustained across the lamp. The controller and the ballast allow dimming of the fluorescent lamp while maintaining a high power factor.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for improving communications between humans and devices. The invention provides a method of modulating operation of a device, comprising: providing an attentive user interface for obtaining information about an attentive state of a user; and modulating operation of a device on the basis of the obtained information, wherein the operation that is modulated is initiated by the device. Preferably, the information about the user's attentive state is eye contact of the user with the device that is sensed by the attentive user interface.

Abstract: Provided is a current-source gate driver for use with a switching device having a gate capacitance, including an input terminal for receiving a DC voltage; a first switch connected between the input terminal and an output terminal; a second switch connected between the output terminal and a circuit common; a series circuit comprising a first capacitor and an inductor, the series circuit connected between the input terminal and the output terminal; wherein the gate capacitance of the switching device is connected between the output terminal and the circuit common. The current-source gate driver improves efficiency of the power switching devices of a voltage regulator module or other switching converter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spinal facet cap for treating scoliosis, the facet cap comprising a shim portion for inserting into a facet joint of a spine, and an alignment portion for maintaining alignment of the shim portion within the facet joint. The invention also provides a method for treating scoliosis, comprising implanting at least one spinal facet cap into at least one facet joint of a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control method and a controller for a DC-DC converter, such as a synchronous Buck converter, which exploits the principle of capacitor charge balance to allow the converter to recover from a positive and/or negative load current step in the shortest achievable time, with the lowest possible voltage undershoot/overshoot. The control method may be implemented by either an analog or a digital circuit. The controller may be integrated with existing controller schemes (such as voltage-mode controllers) to provide superior dynamic performance during large-signal transient conditions while providing stable operation during steady state conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool comprising a handle and a tip, which provides amplified tactile feedback to a user regarding the material with which the tip of the tool is in contact. In one embodiment, tactile feedback is provided to the user via the handle of the tool, in the form of movements which correspond at least partially to those experienced by the tip of the tool as it interacts with the material. The tool optionally provides audio and/or visual feedback regarding the material. In a preferred embodiment, the tool is a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eye gaze tracking in human or animal subjects without calibration of cameras, specific measurements of eye geometries, or tracking of a cursor image on a screen by the subject through a known trajectory. One embodiment provides a method for tracking a user's eye gaze at a surface, object, or visual scene, comprising: providing an imaging device for acquiring images of at least one of the user's eves: modeling, measuring, estimating, and/or calibrating for the user's head position: providing one or more markers associated with the surface, object, or visual scene for producing corresponding glints or reflections in the user's eyes; analyzing the images to find said glints or reflections and/or the pupil: and determining eye gaze of the user upon a said one or more marker as indicative of the user's eye gaze at the surface, object, or visual scene.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for measuring one or more optical properties, such as absorbance and refractive index, of a test medium such as a gas, a liquid, or solid material. The method comprises providing a passive optical waveguide loop comprising the test medium, launching in the optical loop an intensity-modulated light at a reference phase, detecting a phase of said light along the optical waveguide loop, and comparing the detected phase of said light along the loop with the reference phase, wherein the comparison provides information about one or more optical properties of the test medium.

Abstract: This invention provides a thermal energy system comprising a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy between a source and a load, the heat exchanger having a primary side associated with the source, and a secondary side for conducting a fluid associated with the load, wherein the secondary side of the heat exchanger is passively back-flushed upon consumption of a portion of the fluid. Passive back-flushing prevents fouling of the heat exchanger due to sediments, scale, and mineral deposits which may be present in the circulating fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for a solar collector having intergral control of the maximum temperature that it can reach, thereby avoiding excessive stagnation temperatures in the collector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sensing the presence of at least one analyte in a medium, comprising disposing in the medium a functionalized composite material such that the at least one analyte is absorbed by the functionalized composite material, the functionalized composite material having at least one optical property that is modulated by absorption of the at least one analyte; and measuring modulation of the at least one optical property of the functionalized composite material; wherein modulation of the at least one optical property of the functionalized composite material is indicative of the presence of the analyte in the medium. The invention also relates to an optical sensor for sensing the presence of at least one analyte in a medium, and a functionalized composite material having at least one optical property that is modulated upon absorption of one or more analyte.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for improving communications between humans and devices. The invention provides a method of modulating operation of a device, comprising: providing an attentive user interface for obtaining information about an attentive state of a user; and modulating operation of a device on the basis of the obtained information, wherein the operation that is modulated is initiated by the device. Preferably, the information about the user's attentive state is eye contact of the user with the device that is sensed by the attentive user interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and formulations for inhibiting, treating and preventing a malignant cell phenotype, cell, tumor and/or disease. Administration of nitric oxide mimetics, such as low doses, is sufficient to increase, restore or maintain nitric oxide-mediated signaling in cells so that malignant cell phenotypes, cells, tumors and/or diseases are inhibited or prevented. These methods and formulations are particularly useful in treating and preventing cancer in animals.

Abstract: A resonate gate drive circuit for driving at least one power switching device recovers energy loss for charging and discharging the gate capacitance of the power switching devices. The gate drive circuit uses a current source to charge and discharge the gate capacitance with a high current, reducing the switching loss of the power switching device. The gate drive circuit comprises four semiconductor bidirectional conducting switching devices connected in a full-bridge configuration. An inductor connected across the bridge configuration provides the current source. The gate drive circuit may be used in single and dual high-side and low-side, symmetrical or complementary, power converter gate drive applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for assisting a subject to perform a motion such as a lift. The invention comprises a first anchor attachable to a first side of a joint of the subject's body, a second anchor attachable to a second side of the joint; and an elastic member connecting the first anchor and the second anchor, such that articulation of the joint in a first direction causes deformation of the elastic member and storing of energy, and articulation of the joint in a second direction causes relaxation of the elastic member wherein the energy is released and assists the subject to perform a motion in said second direction. The invention may be used at a subject's waist, ankle, wrist, knee, hip, elbow, shoulder, and/or at least one joint of the back and/or neck.