Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining the position of a deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode which finds the position of the DBS electrode with respect to a deep brain target region, by using a first volume data set containing information on the deep brain target region and a second volume data set containing information on the DBS electrode implanted toward the deep brain target region, and which includes: a first step of generating a subvolume of the deep brain target region from the first volume data set, and also generating a subvolume of the DBS electrode from the second volume data set; and a second step of overlapping and displaying the subvolume of the deep brain target region and the subvolume of the DBS electrode.

Abstract: A method for modeling an internal object of a human body includes the step of obtaining the original three-dimensional volume data of the internal object of a human body utilizing an ultrasonic imaging device. Thereafter, a desired area of the obtained original three-dimensional volume data is selected and the image quality of the desired area is enhanced. The desired area of the three-dimensional volume data is transformed into a fair shape data. The fair shape data is decimated while a modeled shape is maintained. Finally, a three-dimensional model is shaped using decimated shape data.

Abstract: A lifting device incorporating first and second arm assemblies with associated rotatable shafts and a platform rotationally connected to the second arm assembly so as to maintain a fixed relationship to a reference surface as the first and second arm assemblies are angularly moved from one position to another. The shaft associated with the first arm assembly is rotated about its axis as the first arm assembly is angularly moved so as to impart similar angular movement to the platform through a rotatable shaft of the second arm assembly; thereby maintaining the platform's fixed relationship to a reference surface. A second embodiment of the lifting device provides an additional device to adjust the angular orientation of the platform with respect to the reference surface, which allows the platform to be maintained in a level orientation when traversing an inclined reference surface.

Abstract: Movement of a tool relative to a workpiece along each one of a plurality of axes is controlled by digitally providing a train of digital pulses to an electromechanical actuator and by digitally modulating the pulse widths (without an intervening conversion to analog form) so that electrical energy is carried in the pulse train at rates which will cause the actuator to tend to produce an intended sequence of speeds and positions.

Abstract: A concentric shaft mobile base for robots and the like is disclosed incorporating three wheels which can be simultaneously driven and steered so as to allow the mobile base to change direction without rotation of the mobile base. Concentric shafts transfer power from drive sources to the wheel assemblies and wheel axles. In an additional embodiment, each wheel is located on an extensible leg assembly which can be pivoted to project outwardly from the mobile base and thereby provide additional stability to the base. Concentric shafts are used in this embodiment to transfer steering and drive power to the wheel assemblies and wheels. Planetary gear assemblies are optionally associated with each extensible leg assembly so as to provide controlled retraction and extension of the leg assemblies without wheel slippage or pirouetting.

Abstract: A two-axis cutting machine for cutting a workpiece along a desired cutting path, has a frame for holding the workpiece, a rail fixed to the frame, a beam arranged to move along the rail and having a pair of driving points spaced apart along the axis of the beam, a cutting tool arranged to move along an axis of the beam, an elongated flexible drive means having portions engaged respectively at the two driving points, a carrier mechanism for carrying a drive section of the drive means, and for translating a force applied on the drive section into a pair of resulting forces directed parallel to the rail and applied respectively at the two driving points, and a beam drive motor mounted on the beam for exerting a force on the drive member, whereby the resulting forces move the beam along the rail, while maintaining a constant angle between the beam axis and the rail.

Abstract: A mobile base for robots or other devices requiring a transport mechanism is disclosed incorporating a plurality of wheels which are simultaneously driven and steered by separate drive sources so as to allow the mobile base to change direction without rotation of the mobile base. In an additional embodiment, each wheel is located on an extensible leg assembly which can be rotated to project outwardly from the mobile base and thereby provide additional stability to the base. This adaptive, retractable leg synchro-drive mobile base uses a third drive source to perform the extension and retraction of the leg assemblies and provides that the wheels maintain their orientation while extension or retraction occurs while the mobile base is in translation and that the wheel orientation returns to its previous state if retraction or extension occurs while the base is not in translation.