Abstract: The disclosure provides example apparatus and methods for automatically adjusting a socket size of a prosthesis. The apparatus includes (a) the prosthesis having a socket configured to receive a limb, (b) a first opening in a socket wall, (c) a first panel aligned with the first opening, (d) a first actuator coupled to the first panel and to the prosthesis, the first actuator is configured to advance and retract the first panel, (e) a first sensor coupled to the socket wall and configured to obtain limb-to-socket gap data, and (f) a processor coupled to the first actuator and the first sensor, wherein the processor is configured (i) to receive the limb-to-socket gap data, (ii) to determine a socket-size adjustment based on the limb-to-socket gap data and a predetermined socket-fit value, (iii) to generate and (iv) to send a command with the socket-size adjustment to the first actuator.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device configured to be positioned within a prosthetic socket. The device includes a tether having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the tether is configured to be coupled to a prosthetic liner. The device also includes a spool fixed with respect to the prosthetic socket. The second end of the tether is coupled to the spool. The device also includes a motor and a battery configured to provide power to the motor. The device also includes a coupling mechanism configured to transition from a first position in which the spool is only able to rotate in a first direction to a second position in which the spool is able to rotate in the first direction and a second direction. The device also includes a release actuator positioned on an exterior of the prosthetic socket. Actuation of the release actuator causes the coupling mechanism to transition from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: There is provided a mechanical avatar assembly for use in a confined space in a structure. The mechanical avatar assembly includes a rail assembly for attachment to an access opening to the confined space. The rail assembly includes two or more rail segments coupled together to form an elongated base having a rail and a gear rack extending along a length of the elongated base. The rail assembly further includes a carriage portion coupled to the rail, and movable relative to the rail, and a drive assembly coupled to the carriage portion and to the gear rack, to move the carriage portion along the rail. The mechanical avatar assembly further includes an articulating avatar arm coupled to, and movable via, the carriage portion. The mechanical avatar assembly further includes an image capturing device.

Abstract: The disclosure provides example apparatus and methods for automatically adjusting a socket size of a prosthesis. The apparatus includes (a) the prosthesis having a socket configured to receive a limb, (b) a first opening in a socket wall, (c) a first panel aligned with the first opening, (d) a first actuator coupled to the first panel and to the prosthesis, the first actuator is configured to advance and retract the first panel, (e) a first sensor coupled to the socket wall and configured to obtain limb-to-socket gap data, and (f) a processor coupled to the first actuator and the first sensor, wherein the processor is configured (i) to receive the limb-to-socket gap data, (ii) to determine a socket-size adjustment based on the limb-to-socket gap data and a predetermined socket-fit value, (iii) to generate and (iv) to send a command with the socket-size adjustment to the first actuator.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for concentrating the magnetization of nuclear spins within a body, in one apparatus, a body having an electron spin moments and nuclear spin moments may subject to a polarizing magnetic field and a gradient magnetic field, such that a space-varied distribution of magnetic resonant frequencies of respective electron spin moments in the body is induced. The body may then be subject to a time-varying magnetic field configured to induce a spatial gradient of the electron spin magnetization such that concentrations of nuclear spin magnetization are induced. The body may be configured to receive a biological sample such that a concentration of nuclear spin magnetization may diffuse into the biological sample. The apparatus may further include a sensor configured to detect nuclear spin magnetization within the biological sample.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for concentrating the magnetization of nuclear spins within a body, in one apparatus, a body having an electron spin moments and nuclear spin moments may subject to a polarizing magnetic field and a gradient magnetic field, such that a space-varied distribution of magnetic resonant frequencies of respective electron spin moments in the body is induced. The body may then be subject to a time-varying magnetic field configured to induce a spatial gradient of the electron spin magnetization such that concentrations of nuclear spin magnetization are induced. The body may be configured to receive a further include a sensor configured to detect nuclear spin magnetization within the biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic resonance force microscopy apparatus and method for use in combination with an oscillator. The oscillator has a motional body and one member of a sample/magnet pair is disposed on the motional body. The present invention actuates the motional body. The apparatus comprises a holder adapted to mount the second member of a sample/magnet pair, an RF field generator positioned to apply a field to the sample, a motion sensor adapted to be coupled with the motional body, an actuator adapted to be coupled with the motional body, and a motion controller coupled with the actuator and with the motion sensor.

Abstract: A double-inverted wheeled passenger carrier (WPC) that is actively stabilizing on two or more axially-spaced wheels through a controller that senses and adjusts three degrees of freedom that allows the WPC to actively stabilize itself to keep a passenger essentially upright during movement, including traversing stairs and the like. The WPC (10) includes a wheel assembly (12) having at least two axially-spaced wheels (14), each wheel having an axis of rotation (15), a frame (16) having a first pivot (18) and second pivot (22), and a chair (20). The frame (16) is attached to the wheel assembly (12) at the first pivot (18). The chair (20) is attached to the frame (16) at the second pivot (22), allowing the chair (20) to rotate independently of the wheels (14).

Abstract: A prosthesis template for aiding in the determination of a desired position of a prosthesis relative to a bone, the prosthesis having an exterior surface that simulates the exterior surface of the bone and an interior surface comprised of one or more contact surfaces to which the prepared bone must conform to provide an adequate fit of the prosthesis. The template comprises a template member having an interior surface which corresponds to an exterior surface of the prosthesis, whereby the template can be positioned adjacent to the bone and thereby provide means for evaluating a desired position of the prosthesis exterior surface.

Abstract: An orthopedic saw guide for confining the blade of a surgical saw to movement in a single plane while allowing translational and rotational movement of the blade within the plane. A pair of elongated guideplates are secured together at either end to form a partially enclosed space. The distance between the inner surfaces of the guide plates is adjustable, and is preferably adjusted to be slightly greater than the thickness of the specific blade to be used. Mounting means is provided for rigidly securing the saw guide relative to the bone, so that the plane defined by the space between the inner surfaces corresponds to the cut plane. The inner surfaces of the guide plates include guide liners that are comprised of a low-friction material. The liners may be permanently secured to the guide plates or removable and disposable.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool relative to a patient's bone to facilitate the performance of a surgical bone alteration task. The system comprises a bone immobilization device for supporting the bone in a fixed position with respect to a reference structure, and a robot that includes a base fixed in position with respect to the reference structure. The bone imobilization device includes two semicircular frame pieces having a plurality of radial apertures through which bone gripping components adjustably extend in order to contact the bone. The bone gripping components include a shaft with a point inserted through a shaft bore of a serrated bone contact element. A support attaches to the frame to adjustably secure and position the frame relative to the reference structure.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool relative to a patient's bone to facilitate the performance of a surgical bone alteration task. The system comprises a bone immobilization device for supporting the bone in a fixed position with respect to the reference structure, and a robot that includes a base fixed in position with respect to the reference structure. The robot also includes a mounting member, and a manipulator connected between the base and the mounting member and permitting relative movement therebetween. The tool to be positioned by the system is mounted to the mounting member. The mounting member is caused to move relative to the reference structure in response to movement commands, so that the tool can be moved to a desired task position to facilitate performance of the task. The system preferably also includes a template attachable to the mounting member, a feature of the template representing a portion of a task.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool relative to a patient's bone to facilitate the performance of a surgical bone alteration task. The system comprises a bone immobilization device for supporting the bone in a fixed position with respect to a reference structure, and a robot that includes a base fixed in position with respect to the reference structure. The robot also includes a mounting member, and a manipulator connected between the base and the mounting member and permitting relative movement therebetween. The tool to be positioned by the system is mounted to the mounting member. The mounting member is caused to move relative to the reference structure in response to movement commands, so that the tool can be moved to a desired task position to facilitate performance of the task. The system preferably also includes a template attachable to the mounting member, a feature of the template representing a portion of a task.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool relative to a patient's bone to facilitate the performance of a surgical bone alteration task. The system comprises a bone immobilization device for supporting the bone in a fixed position with respect to a reference structure, and a robot that includes a base fixed in position with respect to the reference structure. The robot also includes a mounting member, and a manipulator connected between the base and the mounting member and permitting relative movement therebetween. The tool to be positioned by the system is mounted to the mounting member. The mounting member is caused to move relative to the reference structure in response to movement commands, so that the tool can be moved to a desired task position to facilitate performance of the task. The system preferably also includes a template attachable to the mounting member, a feature of the template representing a portion of a task.

Abstract: A fringe field, capacitive distance sensor for measuring the distance between a probe and the surface of the conductive body. The sensor comprises a conductive plate element mounted by the probe, the thickness of the plate element being substantially less than the height and width of the plate element. The plate element is positioned adjacent to and normal to the body surface, and the fringe field capacitance between the plate element and the body is measured, to thereby determine the distance between the probe and the body surface. The probe may be in contact with and scanned across the body surface, to provide surface profile measurements. A probe including a plurality of plate elements may be positioned inside an opening such as a hole, to measure the geometry of the hole. By maintaining the hole probe adjacent one electrode in contact with the hole wall, both profile and geometry measurements may be made. A noncontacting probe including one or more plate elements may be used to measure surface topography.

Abstract: A probe for determining the thickness of an interface gap between two surfaces is disclosed. The probe includes an inflatable bladder, which can be inserted into a gap and inflated, such that the sides of the bladder contact the planes. A distance-measuring device is mounted within the cavity of the bladder and is suitable for measuring the distance between the sides of the bladder. Passive electrical circuitry for use as the distance-measuring device is also disclosed. Passive electrical circuitry has an electrical property that varies as the distance between the passive electrical elements varies. In the case of a probe utilizing capacitive circuitry, three relationally positioned measuring electrodes and a common electrode are mounted within the bladder cavity such that the measuring and common electrical are in facing relationship and move away from each other as the bladder is inflated. When the bladder is inflated with a dielectric fluid, the electrodes are pressed flat against the surfaces.

Abstract: A fringe field, capacitive distance sensor for measuring the distance between a probe and the surface of the conductive body. The sensor comprises a conductive plate element mounted by the probe, the thickness of the plate element being substantially less than the height and width of the plate element. The plate element is positioned adjacent to and normal to the body surface, and the fringe field capacitance between the plate element and the body is measured, to thereby determine the distance between the probe and the body surface. The probe may be in contact with and scanned across the body surface, to provide surface profile measurements. A probe including a plurality of plate elements may be positioned inside an opening such as a hole, to measure the geometry of the hole. By maintaining the hole probe adjacent one electrode in electrode in contact with the hole wall, both profile and geometry measurements may be made.