Abstract: A portable medical simulation system and method employs an artificial patient with a built-in haptic interface device, with up to four carriages for engaging different diameter catheters. A catheter stabilizer between each carriage expands and contracts in an accordion fashion as the carriages move in relation to each other, preventing the catheter from bending and bowing. A contrast display visual effect derived from a particle emitter software tool simulates the release of radiopaque dye within a simulated vasculature system for display on a monitor. A computer software based system is used for generating haptic effects on the catheter through control signals passed to each of the carriage motors controlling translation movement of the catheter and magnetic particle brakes controlling rotational movement of the catheter.

Abstract: A portable medical simulation system and method employs an artificial patient with a built-in haptic interface device, with up to four carriages for engaging different diameter catheters. A catheter stabilizer between each carriage expands and contracts in an accordion fashion as the carriages move in relation to each other, preventing the catheter from bending and bowing. A contrast display visual effect derived from a particle emitter software tool simulates the release of radiopaque dye within a simulated vasculature system for display on a monitor. A computer software based system is used for generating haptic effects on the catheter through control signals passed to each of the carriage motors controlling translation movement of the catheter and magnetic particle brakes controlling rotational movement of the catheter.

Abstract: In a method for installing tiles on a substrate, tiles, having a first surface and a second, machinable surface, are arranged in installed locations on the substrate with the second, machinable surface facing away from the substrate. The machinable surfaces are then machined to reduce tile-to-tile irregularities and adjust for the variations in the subfloor, and the tiles are turned over so that the first surfaces face away from the substrate. A decorative flooring unit is also provided having a tile with a shim layer on its underside, an edge member surrounding the tile and a substrate extending beneath the edge member and the tile. The tile is installed within the edge member with the shim layer facing away from the substrate. The tile may be reversed after sanding the edge member and shim layer.

Abstract: In a method for installing tiles on a substrate, tiles, having a first surface and a second, machinable surface, are arranged in installed locations on the substrate with the second, machinable surface facing away from the substrate. The machinable surfaces are then machined to reduce tile-to-tile irregularities and adjust for the variations in the subfloor, and the tiles are turned over so that the first surfaces face away from the substrate. A decorative flooring unit is also provided having a tile with a shim layer on its underside, an edge member surrounding the tile and a substrate extending beneath the edge member and the tile. The tile is installed within the edge member with the shim layer facing away from the substrate. The tile may be reversed after sanding the edge member and shim layer.