Abstract: An apparatus and method for assessing a hazard associated with an object are disclosed. The apparatus includes a haptic input/output device coupled to a computer with haptic modeling software and a display device. A virtual object and a virtual passageway are displayed on the display device. The virtual passageway includes a haptic layer along a surface thereof. Force applied by a user to the haptic input/output device causes a cursor on the display device to move the virtual object into the virtual passageway. An interaction of the virtual object with the haptic layer generates a virtual contact force which may be determined by the user sensing a corresponding tactile feedback force generated by the haptic input/output device and/or by the computer processor. The magnitude of the virtual contact force may be used to assess a hazard associated with the virtual object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assessing a hazard associated with an object are disclosed. The apparatus includes a haptic input/output device coupled to a computer with haptic modeling software and a display device. A virtual object and a virtual passageway are displayed on the display device. The virtual passageway includes a haptic layer along a surface thereof. Force applied by a user to the haptic input/output device causes a cursor on the display device to move the virtual object into the virtual passageway. An interaction of the virtual object with the haptic layer generates a virtual contact force which may be determined by the user sensing a corresponding tactile feedback force generated by the haptic input/output device and/or by the computer processor. The magnitude of the virtual contact force may be used to assess a hazard associated with the virtual object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assessing a hazard associated with an object are disclosed. The apparatus includes a haptic input/output device coupled to a computer with haptic modeling software and a display device. A virtual object and a virtual passageway are displayed on the display device. The virtual passageway includes a haptic layer along a surface thereof. Force applied by a user to the haptic input/output device causes a cursor on the display device to move the virtual object into the virtual passageway. An interaction of the virtual object with the haptic layer generates a virtual contact force which may be determined by the user sensing a corresponding tactile feedback force generated by the haptic input/output device and/or by the computer processor. The magnitude of the virtual contact force may be used to assess a hazard associated with the virtual object.

Abstract: An apparatus for assessing burn injury to underlying tissue from a flammable material. The apparatus includes an artificial human tissue and a plurality of temperature sensors located at predetermined locations in the artificial human tissue to measure temperature of the artificial human tissue during a flammability test. The apparatus further includes a heat sink device for simulating the heat sink properties of a human body. The apparatus further includes a heat exchange tank for maintaining the artificial human tissue at a regulated temperature, the heat exchange tank being filled with a fluid. The apparatus further includes a heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the fluid in the heat exchange tank. The apparatus further includes a water supply device for supplying water to the interior of the heat exchanger. The apparatus also includes a data acquisition system attached to the plurality of temperature sensors for recording the temperature of the artificial human tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the effect of strangulation. The apparatus includes a model of a human having an artificial neck, and at least one sensor for measuring physical characteristics of the artificial neck during application of an applied force on the artificial neck. In one aspect, the model further includes a circulation system for circulating a fluid, and the at least one sensor includes a plurality of flow sensors to measure a flow of the fluid in the circulation system at predetermined locations and a plurality of pressure sensors to measure a pressure of the fluid in the circulation system at predetermined locations. In another aspect of the invention, the model includes a closed tube, and the at least one sensor includes a pressure sensor to measure the pressure of the air in the closed tube. The invention also includes a method for measuring the effect of strangulation on a model of a human.

Abstract: An anatomical display apparatus includes a three-dimensional model simulating at least a portion of a human or animal body and within which is located a body part, region, tissue and/or organ of interest. A plurality of images of the body part, each showing the body part in a different state or condition such, for example, as before, during and/or after a therapeutic treatment, are carried on a movable support disposed within the model. The support is selectively movable under user manipulation or control so as to transport a selected one of the plural images into suitable juxtaposition with an opening or passageway defined in and through the model and thereby permit an observer located externally of the model to view the selected image within the model through the passageway.