Abstract: A system is provided comprising a robotic instrument for use with a tool. In some versions, the robotic instrument comprises a hand-held portion to be held by a user and a tool support movably coupled to the hand-held portion to support the tool. The robotic instrument further includes an actuator assembly operatively attached to the tool support and the hand-held portion and configured to move the tool support relative to the hand-held portion in a plurality of degrees of freedom. The robotic instrument may includes a handle alignment member extending from the hand-held portion. At least a portion of the handle alignment member and a tool plane defined by the tool are aligned when the tool support has an optimal range of motion relative to the hand-held portion.

Abstract: A system is provided comprising a robotic instrument for use with a surgical tool. In some versions, the robotic instrument comprises a hand-held portion to be held by a user and a tool support movably coupled to the hand-held portion to support the surgical tool. A plurality of actuators operatively interconnect the tool support and the hand-held portion to move the tool support in three degrees of freedom relative to the hand-held portion. An optional constraint assembly may operatively interconnect the tool support and the hand-held portion to constrain movement of the tool support relative to the hand-held portion in three degrees of freedom. A visual indicator assists users in positioning hand-held portion of the instrument to maximize the useability of the system.

Abstract: A neck trial (170) is disclosed. The neck trial has a body (182) and a neck (186). The body has an exterior surface. The neck extends away from the body along a neck axis (190). At least one first line (194) is provided on the exterior surface, which extends in a first direction parallel to an inferior-superior axis of a patient when in use. At least one second line (196) is provided on the exterior surface, which extends in a second direction parallel to a medial-lateral axis of the patient in use. The number of first lines, or the position of the first line or lines relative to the second line or lines, is indicative of an amount of offset in the medial-lateral direction caused by the neck trial. The number of second lines, or the position of the second line or lines relative to the first line or lines, is indicative of an amount of leg-length in the inferior-superior direction caused by the neck trial. A kit of parts, a trial assembly and a method of trialling a joint of a patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: A side panel for a fabric care appliance is described. The side panel includes an embossed pattern for increasing a first natural frequency (or first harmonic) of the side panel. Preferably, the first natural frequency is substantially higher than any ordinary operating frequency or driving frequency of the appliance. For example, in a washing machine, the first natural frequency of the side panel is preferably at least 1.6 times greater than the maximum rotational frequency of a drum or tumbler of the machine.

Abstract: Portable communication devices integrate functions such as radiotelephone capabilities with messaging or personal digital assistant (PDA) functions. A foldable portable communication device to accommodate the space limitations while providing the necessary tool to operate the provided functions comprises of a first housing portion and a second housing portion each having a user inputs, such as a QWERTY keyboard. When the device is open, the portable communication device operates in one mode, such as messaging mode and utilizes both user input devices on each housing. A display for displaying text is located between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. In the closed position, the first housing and second housing are coupled together and user inputs are used for a separate mode in the closed position, such as radiotelephone mode.