Abstract: An apparatus includes a characterization module configured to receive data associated with operational characteristics of a mechanical device, the operational characteristics being associated with a perceptual experience of the mechanical device. A conversion module is coupled to the characterization module. The conversion module is configured to automatically produce, substantially without user intervention, a parametric data set associated with the mechanical device based on the data. In another embodiment, a method includes receiving data associated with operational characteristics of a mechanical device. The operational characteristics are associated with a perceptual experience of the mechanical device. A parametric data set associated with the mechanical device is produced automatically, without user intervention. The parametric data set is associated with the mechanical device based on the data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a continuous suture passer device may include a first jaw, a second jaw, a tissue penetrator which may penetrate through tissue positioned between the first and second jaws, and a suture shuttle which may be releasably secured to the tissue penetrator and adapted to carry a suture. Further, the device may include an actuator which may manipulate at least one of the first or second jaws and the tissue penetrator, and the second jaw may have a suture shuttle retainer seat on which the suture shuttle may be releasably secured. The tissue penetrator may be movable towards the second jaw such that the suture shuttle carried by the tissue penetrator may be transferred to the shuttle retainer seat on the second jaw. Additionally, the first and second jaws may be substantially parallel to one another at any position to which the at least one jaw is manipulated.

Abstract: Described herein are meniscus suture passers for repair of the meniscus of the knee. These devices are typically continuous suture passers that may include an elongate body having a pair of arms. One or more of the arms may be angled or bent at the distal end region relative to the long axis of the device, forming a distal-facing opening that is configured to fit meniscus tissue. One or both arms may be movable in the axial direction (e.g., the direction of the long axis of the device). The devices typically include a tissue penetrating element housed within one of the arms but configured to extend across the distal opening between and communicate with one or more docking regions on the opposite arm to alternately retain and release a suture (or a suture connected to a suture shuttle). Thus, a suture may be passed from a first side of the tissue to a second side and back to the first side multiple times.

Abstract: A touch panel assembly includes a touch-sensitive panel oriented along a plane. An actuator includes a frame having a first portion and a second portion at least partially oriented parallel to the plane. The first portion and the second portion are coupled together with a biasing element. A first magnetic device is coupled to the first portion. A second magnetic device is coupled to the second portion and positioned adjacent to the first magnetic device. The first magnetic device configured to move the first portion in a first direction parallel to the plane when energized by a current to cause a haptic effect to be felt on the touch sensitive panel. The biasing element applies a biasing force which causes the first portion to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating haptic effects for a touch panel or other interface device employs a touch-sensitive panel, a display and an actuator. The actuator includes a first structural element and a second structural element, a biasing element and two magnetic devices. The first magnetic device is configured to be carried by the first structural element and the second magnetic device is configured to be carried by the second structural element. The first structural element is coupled to a touch-sensitive panel and the second structural element may be coupled to the display or to a relatively fixed item. The biasing element couples the first and second structural elements together and deforms to facilitate a movement between the first and second structural elements. The actuator provides haptic effects by facilitating relative movement between the first and second structural elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of generating haptic cues for pacing and monitoring are disclosed. After sensing an event via a component, a process for generating haptic cues generates an input in response to the event. The component, in one example, may be a sensor or a combination of a sensor and a haptic actuator. Upon receipt of the input, the process retrieves a haptic signal from a tactile library in response to the input. A haptic feedback in response to the haptic signal is subsequently generated.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a continuous suture passer device may include a first jaw, a second jaw, a tissue penetrator which may penetrate through tissue positioned between the first and second jaws, and a suture shuttle which may be releasably secured to the tissue penetrator and adapted to carry a suture. Further, the device may include an actuator which may manipulate at least one of the first or second jaws and the tissue penetrator, and the second jaw may have a suture shuttle retainer seat on which the suture shuttle may be releasably secured. The tissue penetrator may be movable towards the second jaw such that the suture shuttle carried by the tissue penetrator may be transferred to the shuttle retainer seat on the second jaw. Additionally, the first and second jaws may be substantially parallel to one another at any position to which the at least one jaw is manipulated.

Abstract: An improved mouse computer input device is provided which can easily be controlled by both the small hands of children and the larger hands of adults. The mouse is substantially hemispherical in shape and the buttons of the mouse curve in a continuous arc from substantially horizontal at the top area to substantially vertical at the front area. The buttons of the mouse are activated by either squeezing the front vertical surfaces of the buttons or pressing downward on the top horizontal surfaces of the buttons.

Abstract: An improved mouse computer input device is provided which can easily be controlled by both the small hands of children and the larger hands of adults. The mouse is substantially hemispherical in shape and the buttons of the mouse curve in a continuous arc from substantially horizontal at the top area to substantially vertical at the front area. The buttons of the mouse are activated by either squeezing the front vertical surfaces of the buttons or pressing downward on the top horizontal surfaces of the buttons.

Abstract: A sound delivery system such as a hearing aid, a telephone headset, a multimedia headset, or other communications device is capable of being used on either the left or right ear of the user. The sound delivery system includes an integral case and ear hook having a rotatable connection for receiving a sound delivery tube. The sound delivery tube is preformed in a generally L-shaped tube. The sound delivery tube has an eartip at one end configured to be received in the ear canal of the user to secure the end of the sound delivery tube in the ear canal. The tube can be rotated about an axis between a left-ear position and a right-ear position.

Abstract: A transverse field activated magnetostrictive motor including a magnetostrictive member having a direction of motion transverse to its principal orientation axis, and a reaction surface mechanically coupled to the magnetostrictive member. A travelling magnetic field with a field component parallel to the principal orientation axis of the magnetostrictive member is provided and moved sequentially along the magnetostrictive member to sequentially, locally, decouple the member from the reaction surface to move the member in the direction of motion in relation to the surface.