Abstract: A tunable toolholder with a dynamic vibration absorber is disclosed wherein an absorber mass is compressed between two elastomer supports utilizing at least one longitudinally movable pressure plate to dynamically tune the toolholder.

Abstract: A hand-held, portable device recommends dynamically preferred speeds for stabilizing or reducing undesirable vibration such as chatter in a machining process. The device may be applied to machining processes such as turning, boring, milling and drilling which exhibit a relative rotational motion between the cutting tool and workpiece. The device measures in a safe, non-contact manner via a microphone the dominant audio signal component of the sound pressure emanating from the machining processes. Without prior knowledge of the machining process parameters or the dynamic characteristics of the machine tool or workpiece, the audio signal is conditioned and processed to determine the frequency component levels. The rotational speeds which are more likely to lead to a stable machining process are calculated based on the number of teeth on the cutting tool and the identified dominant frequency of vibration. The dynamically preferred speeds are displayed as recommendations to the process operator or machinist.

Abstract: An inflatable hand orthosis promotes a functional positioning of the fingers and thumb. An inflatable air bladder is formed by two vinyl sheets bonded together and inflated and deflated by a pump bulb and deflation valve, respectively, which are fixed to the vinyl sheets and communicatingly interconnected with the air bladder. The bladder is sewn into a soft cloth covering in order to form a wearable device which may be used either alone or in conjunction with hand, wrist, and finger orthosis. The hand device is placed on the palm and under the patient's fingers while deflated. Then the bladder is inflated to align and extend the fingers and to abduct the thumb.

Abstract: A dynamic brace joint for use in orthotic devices which adjustably restrains and limits the flexion and extension range of a limb joint while promoting and assisting joint extension or flexion using a continuously applied, adjustable, dynamic force. The dynamic brace joint includes an upper brace support member and a lower brace support member, which are pivotally interconnected at their proximal ends. The joint may be incrementally adjusted to provide a range of pivotal motion between the interconnected upper and lower members. A tensioning, elastic, or resilient member exerts a continuously applied adjustable dynamic force on the interconnected upper and lower members. The terminal end of the brace support members may be incorporated into a splint or brace to accommodate limb parts associated with the limb joint.

Abstract: An inflatable hand orthosis promotes a functional positioning of the fingers and thumb. An inflatable air bladder is formed by two vinyl sheets bonded together and inflated and deflated by a pump bulb and deflation valve, respectively, which are fixed to the vinyl sheets and communicatingly interconnected with the air bladder. The bladder is sewn into a soft cloth covering in order to form a wearable device which may be used either alone or in conjunction with hand, wrist, and finger orthosis. The hand device is placed on the palm and under the patient's fingers while deflated. Then the bladder is inflated to align and extend the fingers and to abduct the thumb.