Abstract: A system for improved manual welding is provided. The system includes a novel nozzle for maintaining fixed electrode-work piece distance, sensors such as optical, temperature, ultrasound and the like for providing feedback on weld quality, and indicators such as a video screen indicating actual vs. desired weld characteristics (such as speed, size, position, and the like). Furthermore actuators in the device allow for control over movement either perpendicular to the weld seam, parallel to it, or both. For example an eccentric axis allows for automation of the welding weave motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rehabilitation device which guides a patient to perform a motion with a correct spatial trajectory, by the device applying one or more pushing, assisting, reminding, responding and/or resisting forces during a motion (or intent to move) by the patient. The forces are applied by an actuator, for example, a robotic articulated arm or a spherically jointed lever. The applied forces act as a force fields, optionally continuous, which impeded and/or guides a patient. The device can be programmable with various trajectories (paths and/or velocities) and/or forces. The forces at one point in the trajectory can vary responsive to an actual trajectory by the patient and/or responsive to a rehabilitation plan and/or improvement of the patient. The device can learn a motion entered by a physiotherapist and replay it for the patient.

Abstract: A method of rehabilitation comprising: providing a first actuator that includes a movement mechanism capable of applying a force that interacts with a motion of a patient's limb in a volume of at least 30 cm in diameter, in at least three degrees of freedom of motion of the actuator and capable of preventing substantial motion in any point in any direction in said volume; coupling said first actuator to a first point on a human body; providing a second actuator that includes a movement mechanism capable of applying a force that interacts with a motion of a patient's limb in a volume of at least 30 cm in diameter, in at least three degrees of freedom of motion of the actuator and capable of preventing substantial motion in any point in any direction in said volume; coupling said second actuator to a second point on a human body; and applying different forces to said points using said actuators.

Abstract: A press for producing parts, such as high precision ceramic parts or powder metal parts, by compaction of material. The press comprises a frame having a longitudinal axis, a die and a punch assembly mounted on the frame, and a motion assembly adapted to move the punch assembly relative to the die along the axis. The punch assembly comprises a plate and a punch held by the plate and extending along the axis. The plate comprises a central portion via which the axis passes and distal portions on two sides of the central portion. The motion assembly comprises two linear motion mechanisms, each comprising a threaded shaft with a portion thereof received within one of the distal portions, and a nut assembly mounted on the threaded shaft and engaging the distal portion within which the threaded shaft is received. Each nut assembly comprises a nut housing surrounding a portion of the threaded shaft, and a plurality of ribbed rollers disposed therebetween in a planetary arrangement and engaging both.

Abstract: A method of rehabilitation using an actuator type that includes a movement mechanism capable of applying a force that interacts with a motion of a patient's limb in a volume of at least 30 cm in diameter, in at least three degrees of freedom of motion of the actuator and capable of preventing substantial motion in any point in any direction in said volume, comprising: exercising a patient at a first place of rehabilitation selected from a bed, a wheel-chair, a clinic and a home, using an actuator of said actuator type which interacts with a motion of said patient; and second exercising said patient at a second place of rehabilitation selected from a bed, a wheel-chair, a clinic and a home using a second actuator of said actuator type which interacts with a motion of said patient; wherein said first exercising and said second exercising utilize a same movement mechanism design for moving the actuators.

Abstract: A method of rehabilitation using an actuator type that includes a movement mechanism capable of applying a force that interacts with a motion of a patient's limb in a volume of at least 30 cm in diameter, in at least three degrees of freedom of motion of the actuator and capable of preventing substantial motion in any point in any direction in said volume, comprising: exercising a patient at a first place of rehabilitation selected from a bed, a wheel-chair, a clinic and a home, using an actuator of said actuator type which interacts with a motion of said patient; and second exercising said patient at a second place of rehabilitation selected from a bed, a wheel-chair, a clinic and a home using a second actuator of said actuator type which interacts with a motion of said patient; wherein said first exercising and said second exercising utilize a same movement mechanism design for moving the actuators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rehabilitation device which guides a patient to perform a motion with a correct spatial trajectory, by the device applying one or more pushing, assisting, reminding, responding and/or resisting forces during a motion (or intent to move) by the patient. The forces are applied by an actuator, for example, a robotic articulated arm or a spherically jointed lever. The applied forces act as a force fields, optionally continuous, which impeded and/or guides a patient. The device can be programmable with various trajectories (paths and/or velocities) and/or forces. The forces at one point in the trajectory can vary responsive to an actual trajectory by the patient and/or responsive to a rehabilitation plan and/or improvement of the patient. The device can learn a motion entered by a physiotherapist and replay it for the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus for rehabilitating a patient who has a paretic body part, the apparatus comprising: a) at least one electromyography (EMG) sensor adapted to being applied to a voluntary muscle of a healthy body part of the same type as the paretic body part which at least one sensor produces at least one EMG signal; b) a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) device adapted to stimulating at least one voluntary muscle of the paretic body part; and c) a controller which controls the NMES device, making the amplitude of stimulation of the paretic body part at least partly dependent on the EMG signal from the healthy body part.

Abstract: A rehabilitation apparatus with at least three degrees of freedom of motion, comprising: a plurality of brakes; a motor, wherein the motor is operationally connected to the brakes; a plurality of surfaces, wherein each of a plurality of the surfaces correlates to a brake; and, wherein when the motor is activated, the brakes are selectively advanced to make contact with the surfaces causing friction between the brakes and the surfaces and thus causing variable resistance in the three degrees of freedom to the apparatus based on the extent of advancement of the brakes.