Abstract: A torsional spring that can be used as a joint adapted to transmit at torsion actuation with elastic response. The torsional spring relates to a compact torsional elastic element, provided with a linear torque characteristic which is also not affected by the direction of rotation. The torsional spring is capable of attaining a high transmissible torque relative to its weight and overall dimension.

Abstract: An aid device for the motor disabled, suitable for allowing walking of transfemoral amputees, having: a lower-limb prosthesis of an amputated limb; a lower-limb orthosis suitable to be worn at a sound contralateral lower-limb; an orthotic pelvis module connecting the prosthesis to the lower-limb orthosis; and a control unit for the operational coordination of movements of the prosthesis and the lower-limb orthosis.

Abstract: A torsional spring that can be used as a joint adapted to transmit at torsion actuation with elastic response. The torsional spring relates to a compact torsional elastic element, provided with a linear torque characteristic which is also not affected by the direction of rotation. The torsional spring is capable of attaining a high transmissible torque relative to its weight and overall dimension.

Abstract: A torsional spring that can be used as a joint adapted to transmit a torsion actuation with elastic response. The torsional spring relates to a compact torsional elastic element, provided with a linear torque characteristic which is also not affected by the direction of rotation. The torsional spring is capable of attaining a high transmissible torque relative to its weight and overall dimension.

Abstract: An aid device for the motor disabled, suitable for allowing walking of transfemoral amputees, having: a lower-limb prosthesis of an amputated limb; a lower-limb orthosis suitable to be worn at a sound contralateral lower-limb; an orthotic pelvis module connecting the prosthesis to the lower-limb orthosis; and a control unit for the operational coordination of movements of the prosthesis and the lower-limb orthosis.

Abstract: An aid device for the motor disabled, suitable for allowing walking of transfemoral amputees, having: a lower-limb prosthesis of an amputated limb; a lower-limb orthosis suitable to be worn at a sound contralateral lower-limb; an orthotic pelvis module connecting the prosthesis to the lower-limb orthosis; and a control unit for the operational coordination of movements of the prosthesis and the lower-limb orthosis.

Abstract: An exoskeleton device for assisting the movement of a metacarpal-phalangeal joint of a hand in a flexion/extension plane ? of the joint, including a metacarpal support arranged integrally with a metacarpal portion of the hand, a phalangeal support having a fastening link for fastening to a proximal phalanx, a kinematical chain between the metacarpal support and the phalangeal support arranged to provide and carry out a rotation of the phalangeal support with respect to the metacarpal support.

Abstract: An exoskeleton device for assisting the movement of a metacarpal-phalangeal joint of a hand in a flexion/extension plane ? of the joint, including a metacarpal support arranged integrally with a metacarpal portion of the hand, a phalangeal support having means for fastening to a proximal phalanx, a kinematical chain between the metacarpal support and the phalangeal support arranged to provide and carry out a rotation of the phalangeal support with respect to the metacarpal support.

Abstract: An aid device for the motor disabled, suitable for allowing walking of transfemoral amputees, having: a lower-limb prosthesis of an amputated limb; a lower-limb orthosis suitable to be worn at a sound contralateral lower-limb; an orthotic pelvis module connecting the prosthesis to the lower-limb orthosis; and a control unit for the operational coordination of movements of the prosthesis and the lower-limb orthosis.

Abstract: An electromagnetic step-by-step wobbling micromotor comprises an inner component and an annular component being external to the inner one. The outer component may be a stator and the inner component a rotor, or vice versa. The inner component has three or more poles with a winding on each pole, and an external surface facing an internal surface of the outer component. During the operation of the micromotor each winding is powered. The external and internal surfaces have toothed surfaces. Each tooth has a peak radius which is different from the valley radius.

Abstract: An electromagnetic step-by-step wobbling micromotor comprises an inner component and an annular component being external to the inner one. The outer component may be a stator and the inner component a rotor, or vice versa. The inner component has three or more poles with a winding on each pole, and an external surface facing an internal surface of the outer component. During the operation of the micromotor each winding is powered. The external and internal surfaces have toothed surfaces. Each tooth has a peak radius which is different from the valley radius.

Abstract: A proportional valve is disclosed for controlling the outlet pressure of a fluid flowing therethrough. The valve comprises a valve body having an inlet port and an outlet port for the fluid. The valve also has an inner chamber, within which there is formed a valve seat that may be opened and closed variably by a shutter axially movable from and towards the valve seat. Movement of the shutter is controlled by a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuating member operating antagonistically to an elastic member, the temperature of the fluid being lower than the transition temperature of the shape memory alloy. The actuating member and the elastic member are connected to the body valve at opposite sides relative to the valve seat. A power control circuit is also provided for circulating an electric current through the actuating member so as to heat the same by Joule effect from a temperature lower than the transition temperature to one that is higher.

Abstract: A proportional valve for the control of the outlet pressure of a fluid flowing therethrough comprising a valve body (1) with an inlet port (15) and an outlet port (17) for the fluid and an inner chamber (8), within which there is formed a valve seat (9) whose opening is varied by means of a shutter (10) axially movable from and towards the valve seat, the movement of the shutter being controlled by a SMA actuating member (11) acting antagonistically to elastic means (12), the temperature of the fluid being lower than the transition temperature of the shape memory alloy. The actuating member and the elastic means are connected to the valve body (1) at opposite sides with respect to the valve seat and power means (105) are provided to be activated for circulating an electric current through said actuating member to heat it by Joule effect from a temperature lower than the transition temperature to an higher one.

Abstract: An endoscopic robot (1), designed for being inserted into a body cavity (C) f a patient and advanced therein in a prefixed direction (A) with a so-called inchworm-like motion, comprising a variable length segment (2) and aspiration means (12, 13) for selectively producing a pneumatic vacuum (V) between the robot (1) and the body cavity (C) at the robot ends (3, 4) sufficient to produce a substantial anchorage to the body cavity walls, thereby allowing the inchworm-like motion and avoiding, at the same time, any pushing action against the body cavity walls which causes discomfort and pain to the patient.