Abstract: An item packing system configured to sort and/or pack items into item containers, the system comprising a robotic arm. At least one end effector for holding and manipulating an item to be sorted and/or packed, wherein at least one end effector comprises a pressure sensing assembly. A controller configured to receive sensor signals from the pressure sensing assembly to obtain an indication of a magnitude of contact pressure for contact between the end effector and the item held by the end effector. A direction of contact pressure for contact between the end effector and the item held by the end effector, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the end effector is correctly holding the item based on the indication of the magnitude of the contact pressure and the indication of the direction of contact pressure.

Abstract: An item picking system configured to pick items from a collection region for placing said items into an item container, the system comprising a robotic arm. One or more end effectors coupled to the robotic arm for holding and manipulating an item, wherein at least one of the end effectors comprises a contact pressure sensing assembly including a piezoresistive sensor configured to obtain piezoresistive signals indicative of contact pressure between said sensor and an item held by said end effector. Signal processing circuitry configured to process the piezoresistive signals, the signal processing circuitry comprising a differential amplifier having a first input terminal coupled to the sensor to receive the piezoresistive signals therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention is a pressurized isolation unit dimensioned to cover the head and thoraco-abdominal region of a patient. The unit has a filtered pressure system and a flexible abdominal binding cover that wraps around the patient's abdomen.