Abstract: A heating and cooling system for in-situ electron microscopy capable of independent temperature control of a MEMS sample support coupled to the control of a thermoelectric device is disclosed. The thermoelectric device heats and cools components of the in-situ electron microscopy system while a heating element on the MEMS sample support precisely controls the sample temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a medical device on a patient includes a mounting structure configured to be fitted onto the patient to encircle at least a portion of a body part of the patient. The mounting structure includes an inner layer and an outer layer that define a confinement. A jamming material is contained within the confinement. The jamming material is configured to flow within the confinement to conform to the shape of the body part of the patient onto which the mounting structure is fitted. The mass of jamming material is configured to harden and become rigid in its conformed shape in response to a vacuum being formed in the confinement.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a magnetorheological (MR) brake. The MR brake includes a rotor constructed at least partially of a ferromagnetic material, and a housing that supports the rotor such that the rotor and the housing are rotatable relative to each other about an axis, wherein the housing and rotor are configured such that a fluid gap is defined between the housing and the rotor, and wherein portions of the housing adjacent the rotor are constructed at least partially of a ferromagnetic material. An MR fluid is disposed in the fluid gap. A current-carrying coil is excitable to generate a magnetic field within ferromagnetic portions of the rotor and the housing and acts on the MR fluid. At least one element constructed of a material having low magnetic permeability is configured route the lines of magnetic flux through surrounding higher permeability material on opposite sides of the fluid gap.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a magnetorheological (MR) brake. The MR brake includes a rotor constructed at least partially of a ferromagnetic material, and a housing that supports the rotor such that the rotor and the housing are rotatable relative to each other about an axis, wherein the housing and rotor are configured such that a fluid gap is defined between the housing and the rotor, and wherein portions of the housing adjacent the rotor are constructed at least partially of a ferromagnetic material. An MR fluid is disposed in the fluid gap. A current-carrying coil is excitable to generate a magnetic field within ferromagnetic portions of the rotor and the housing and acts on the MR fluid. At least one element constructed of a material having low magnetic permeability is configured route the lines of magnetic flux through surrounding higher permeability material on opposite sides of the fluid gap.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a medical device on a patient includes a mounting structure configured to be fitted onto the patient to encircle at least a portion of a body part of the patient. The mounting structure includes an inner layer and an outer layer that define a confinement. A jamming material is contained within the confmement. The jamming material is configured to flow within the confmement to conform to the shape of the body part of the patient onto which the mounting structure is fitted. The mass of jamming material is configured to harden and become rigid in its conformed shape in response to a vacuum being formed in the confinement.

Abstract: The needle-sized surgical tools used in arthroscopy, otolaryngology, and other surgical fields could become even more valuable to surgeons if endowed with the ability to navigate around sharp corners to manipulate or visualize tissue. A needle-sized bendable joint design that grants this ability. It can be easily interfaced with manual tools or concentric tube robots and is straightforward and inexpensive to manufacture. The bendable joint includes of a nitinol tube with several asymmetric cutouts, actuated by a tendon.

Abstract: The needle-sized surgical tools used in arthroscopy, otolaryngology, and other surgical fields could become even more valuable to surgeons if endowed with the ability to navigate around sharp corners to manipulate or visualize tissue. A needle-sized bendable joint design that grants this ability. It can be easily interfaced with manual tools or concentric tube robots and is straightforward and inexpensive to manufacture. The bendable joint includes of a nitinol tube with several asymmetric cutouts, actuated by a tendon.