Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to fixturing devices for supporting a workpiece, the devices including modularized cantilevered and fixed beam fixing elements. Each module includes a compliant beam and an interface element in contact with the workpiece and a portion of the compliant beam for transmitting a contact force between the workpiece and the beam. Dynamic adaptability of the beam is configured by selectively varying beam stiffness by varying either beam length or beam width. Varying a width can include varying a beam width, and/or breadth. In a further embodiment, the compliant beam fixed at both ends is slidable in a longitudinal direction of the beam such that a portion of the interface element slides along the beam, thus dynamically adapting the beam stiffness according to a force applied to a workpiece.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a middle ear prosthesis that can be adjusted in situ. The middle ear prosthesis can be inserted into the middle ear of a patient and then, after surgery, the length of, or distance between the end resting on the malleus and the end resting on the stapes, can be adjusted without the need to touch the prosthesis through a surgical intervention. A middle ear prosthesis can include a first element having a first interconnecting end and a malleus end, for resting on a malleus or tympanic membrane, and a second element having a second interconnecting end and a stapes end, for resting on a stapes, where the first and second interconnecting ends interconnect with each other. External forces can be applied to a clamp to actuate release of the clamp and allow for adjustment of the length of the prosthesis in situ.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to fixturing devices for supporting a workpiece, the devices including modularized cantilevered and fixed beam fixing elements. Each module includes a compliant beam and an interface element in contact with the workpiece and a portion of the compliant beam for transmitting a contact force between the workpiece and the beam. Dynamic adaptability of the beam is configured by selectively varying beam stiffness by varying either beam length or beam width. Varying a width can include varying a beam width, and/or breadth. In a further embodiment, the compliant beam fixed at both ends is slidable in a longitudinal direction of the beam such that a portion of the interface element slides along the beam, thus dynamically adapting the beam stiffness according to a force applied to a workpiece.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a middle ear prosthesis that can be adjusted in situ. Embodiments of the invention also relate to a method for adjusting a middle ear prosthesis in situ. In specific embodiments, the middle ear prosthesis can be inserted into the middle ear of a patient during surgery and then, after the surgery, the length of, or distance between the end resting on the malleus and the end resting on the stapes, can be adjusted without the need to touch the prosthesis through a surgical intervention. A middle ear prosthesis can include a first element 1 having a first interconnecting end 3 and a malleus end 9, for resting on a malleus or tympanic membrane, and a second element 5 having a second interconnecting end 7 and a stapes end 11, for resting on a stapes (either capitulum or footplate), where the first and second interconnecting ends interconnect with each other.