Abstract: Materials, systems and methods are provided for qualitative assessment of exposure of a person to ionizing radiation by measuring amounts of the biomarkers, wherein a change compared with corresponding un-irradiated control reference ranges of the biomarkers, provides the assessment, wherein the biomarkers include (i) alpha-1-Antichymotrypsin (ACT), (ii) Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L), and (iii) one or more additional proteins.

Abstract: Materials, systems and methods are provided for qualitative assessment of exposure of a person to ionizing radiation by measuring amounts of the biomarkers, wherein a change compared with corresponding un-irradiated control reference ranges of the biomarkers, provides the assessment, wherein the biomarkers include (i) alpha-1-Antichymotrypsin (ACT), (ii) Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L), and (iii) one or more additional proteins.

Abstract: A robotic manipulator has a body and a stereoscopic video system movably coupled to the body. The stereoscopic vision system produces a stereoscopic video of an environment of the robotic manipulator. The robotic manipulator also includes two independently remotely controlled arms coupled to opposite sides of the body. Each arm moves in proprioceptive alignment with the stereoscopic video produced by the stereoscopic video system in response to commands received from a remote control station based on movements performed by an operator at the remote control station.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical devices and, particularly, catheter medical devices. In an aspect is a nerve block catheter system comprising a dual-sheath catheter comprising an inner sheath and an outer sheath, wherein distal ends of the sheaths are connected, the inner sheath defines a fluid delivery lumen, and the outer sheath comprises a tissue lock movable between a collapsed position and an extended position, wherein the tissue lock forms a reversible tissue anchor when in the extended position, and an actuator connected to the proximate end of the catheter and configured to activate the tissue lock by sliding the outer sheath length-wise relative to the inner sheath.

Abstract: An implantable catheter is provided that may be disinfected without removal from the body of a patient, using an electrochemical method to generate an electric field on the catheter surface and thus destroy microorganisms in a biofilm that is present or forming. A catheter system includes the implantable catheter and a voltage source that is operably connected to electrodes on or embedded in the exterior and optionally the interior catheter surface. Methods are also provided for disinfecting the implantable catheter in vivo and for detecting or confirming the presence of a pathogenic biofilm thereon.

Abstract: An implantable catheter is provided that may be disinfected without removal from the body of a patient, using an electrochemical method to generate an electric field on the catheter surface and thus destroy microorganisms in a biofilm that is present or forming. A catheter system includes the implantable catheter and a voltage source that is operably connected to electrodes on or embedded in the exterior and optionally the interior catheter surface. Methods are also provided for disinfecting the implantable catheter in vivo and for detecting or confirming the presence of a pathogenic biofilm thereon.

Abstract: An implantable catheter is provided that may be disinfected without removal from the body of a patient, using an electrochemical method to generate an electric field on the catheter surface and thus destroy microorganisms in a biofilm that is present or forming. A catheter system includes the implantable catheter and a voltage source that is operably connected to electrodes on or embedded in the exterior and optionally the interior catheter surface. Methods are also provided for disinfecting the implantable catheter in vivo and for detecting or confirming the presence of a pathogenic biofilm thereon.

Abstract: Materials, systems and methods are provided for qualitative assessment of exposure of a person to ionizing radiation by measuring amounts of the biomarkers, wherein a change compared with corresponding un-irradiated control reference ranges of the biomarkers, provides the assessment, wherein the biomarkers include (i) alpha-1-Antichymotrypsin (ACT), (ii) Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L), and (iii) one or more additional proteins.

Abstract: A twisted string actuator system includes a motor generating rotary motion of a rotor and a twisted string comprised of a pair of cords. One end of the twisted string is attached to the rotor and an opposite end of the twisted string is coupled to a load. The cords are twisted about each other for a first section of the twisted string and untwisted for a second section of the twisted string. A cord guide is fixedly disposed between the cords. The first and second sections of the twisted string are on a first side and second side, respectively, of the cord guide. Rotary motion of the rotor in one direction operates to twist the pair of cords on the first side of the cord guide while pulling a portion of the pair of cords from the second side of the cord guide into the first side.

Abstract: A multilayer electrolaminate structure includes a first electrolaminate layer and a second electrolaminate layer disposed adjacent the first electrolaminate layer. Each of the first and second electrolaminate layers is rotatable about a common axis independently of the other electrolaminate layer when the multilayer electrolaminate structure is in a first state and clamps to the other electrolaminate layer when the multilayer electrolaminate structure is in a second state.

Abstract: An implantable catheter is provided that may be disinfected without removal from the body of a patient, using a photocatalytic method to activate a reaction on the catheter surface that generates oxidizing agents in the form of Reactive Oxygen Species (“ROS”) and thus destroy microorganisms in a biofilm that is present or forming. A catheter system includes the implantable catheter, a light source, and a source of power operably connected to the light source. Methods are also provided for disinfecting the implantable catheter in vivo.

Abstract: A twisted string actuator system includes a motor generating rotary motion of a rotor and a twisted string comprised of a pair of cords. One end of the twisted string is attached to the rotor and an opposite end of the twisted string is coupled to a load. The cords are twisted about each other for a first section of the twisted string and untwisted for a second section of the twisted string. A cord guide is fixedly disposed between the cords. The first and second sections of the twisted string are on a first side and second side, respectively, of the cord guide. Rotary motion of the rotor in one direction operates to twist the pair of cords on the first side of the cord guide while pulling a portion of the pair of cords from the second side of the cord guide into the first side.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical devices and, particularly, catheter medical devices. In an aspect is a nerve block catheter system comprising a dual-sheath catheter comprising an inner sheath and an outer sheath, wherein distal ends of the sheaths are connected, the inner sheath defines a fluid delivery lumen, and the outer sheath comprises a tissue lock movable between a collapsed position and an extended position, wherein the tissue lock forms a reversible tissue anchor when in the extended position, and an actuator connected to the proximate end of the catheter and configured to activate the tissue lock by sliding the outer sheath length-wise relative to the inner sheath.

Abstract: A multilayer electrolaminate structure includes a first electrolaminate layer and a second electrolaminate layer disposed adjacent the first electrolaminate layer. Each of the first and second electrolaminate layers is rotatable about a common axis independently of the other electrolaminate layer when the multilayer electrolaminate structure is in a first state and clamps to the other electrolaminate layer when the multilayer electrolaminate structure is in a second state.

Abstract: A nerve block catheter system employs an indwelling, flexible catheter comprising a tissue lock to retain the catheter tip in pharmacologically proximity to a target nerve and optionally, a decoupler that insulates the tip of the catheter from proximal tissue movement.

Abstract: Robotic hands and finger modules include an underactuated finger with multiple joints including a distal joint, an intermediate joint, and a proximal joint. A brake subsystem in communication with each of the joints selectively locks and unlocks the joints individually. A robotic hand can selectively lock the joints of a finger individually such that one or more joints are locked while one or more joints are unlocked. In addition, the finger module can drive a tendon coupled to the joints to flex the underactuated finger in a manner determined by which of the joints is locked and which of the joints is unlocked. A robotic hand can move an underactuated finger with its distal and proximal joints unlocked until the finger makes contact with an object, and lock the proximal joint, in response to contact made with the object, while the distal joint remains unlocked.

Abstract: A nerve block catheter system employs an indwelling, flexible catheter comprising a tissue lock to retain the catheter tip in pharmacologically proximity to a target nerve and optionally, a decoupler that insulates the tip of the catheter from proximal tissue movement.

Abstract: Robotic hands and finger modules include an under-actuated finger with multiple joints including a distal joint, an intermediate joint, and a proximal joint. A brake subsystem in communication with each of the joints selectively locks and unlocks the joints individually. A robotic hand can selectively lock the joints of a finger individually such that one or more joints are locked while one or more joints are unlocked. In addition, the finger module can drive a tendon coupled to the joints to flex the underactuated finger in a manner determined by which of the joints is locked and which of the joints is unlocked. A robotic hand can move an underactuated finger with its distal and proximal joints unlocked until the finger makes contact with an object, and lock the proximal joint, in response to contact made with the object, while the distal joint remains unlocked.

Abstract: A robotic manipulator has a body and a stereoscopic video system movably coupled to the body. The stereoscopic vision system produces a stereoscopic video of an environment of the robotic manipulator. The robotic manipulator also includes two independently remotely controlled arms coupled to opposite sides of the body. Each arm moves in proprioceptive alignment with the stereoscopic video produced by the stereoscopic video system in response to commands received from a remote control station based on movements performed by an operator at the remote control station.

Abstract: An electroadhesive gripping device or system includes a plurality of electroadhesive gripping surfaces, each having electrode(s) and each configured to be placed against respective surface regions of a foreign object, such that one or more electroadhesive forces can be provided between the electroadhesive gripping surfaces and the foreign object. Such electroadhesive forces operating to hold the foreign object against the electroadhesive gripping surfaces while the foreign object is held or moved by the electroadhesive gripping system. The electroadhesive gripping surfaces can be arranged onto a plurality of continuous fingers, and various gripping surfaces on each finger can be coupled together and manipulated with respect to each other by an actuating component, such as a cable actuator. A variable voltage can be delivered to the electrodes to control the amount of electroadhesive force generated, such that only a portion of a foreign object is held or moved.