Abstract: Tactile sensors are disclosed that mimic the human fingertip and its touch receptors. The mechanical components are similar to a fingertip, with a rigid core surrounded by a weakly conductive fluid contained within an elastomeric skin. The deformable properties of the finger pad can be used as part of a transduction process. Multiple electrodes can be mounted on the surface of the rigid core and connected to impedance measuring circuitry within the core. External forces deform the fluid path around the electrodes, resulting in a distributed pattern of impedance changes containing information about those forces and the objects that applied them. Strategies are described for extracting features related to the mechanical inputs and using this information for reflexive grip control. Controlling grip force in a prosthetic having sensory feedback information is described. Pressure transducers can provide sensory feedback by measuring micro-vibrations due to sliding friction.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a tool is employed in filling a drug-delivery device. The tool may include, for example, a needle that is admitted through a fill port of the drug-delivery device.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable electrolytic pump include a drug reservoir, a cannula fluidly coupled to the reservoir, a pumping mechanism for forcing liquid from the reservoir through the cannula, control circuitry for operating the pumping mechanism, and a power source comprising primary and auxiliary batteries in a stacked configuration, only the main battery being operatively coupled to the control circuitry during normal operation, the control circuitry operatively coupling the back-up battery upon detection of an electrical fault. The pump may further include a hermetic enclosure containing the control circuitry and the power source.

Abstract: Tactile sensors are disclosed that mimic the human fingertip and its touch receptors. The mechanical components are similar to a fingertip, with a rigid core surrounded by a weakly conductive fluid contained within an elastomeric skin. The deformable properties of the finger pad can be used as part of a transduction process. Multiple electrodes can be mounted on the surface of the rigid core and connected to impedance measuring circuitry within the core. External forces deform the fluid path around the electrodes, resulting in a distributed pattern of impedance changes containing information about those forces and the objects that applied them. Strategies are described for extracting features related to the mechanical inputs and using this information for reflexive grip control. Controlling grip force in a prosthetic having sensory feedback information is described. Techniques are described for enhancing the useful force range for impedance sensors by internally texturing the elastomeric skin.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for detecting plagiocephaly in infants. The one-piece, semi-rigid device is positioned on the infant by placing the caliper's ear-tips in the infant's ears and positioning a planar connector segment approximately under the nose. A physician or caregiver can visually detect plagiocephaly by detecting misalignment between a center marker on the planar segment and the midline of the infant's nose.

Abstract: An infant positioner and positioning system, and methods of use and manufacture, are disclosed for preventing SIDS, plagiocephaly, torticolli, or suffocation from regurgitation. The device and system includes an infant positioner with a concave back support and abdominal support for positioning an infant on its side. A position marker can also indicate how to position the infant within the infant positioner.

Abstract: An infant positioner and positioning system, and methods of use and manufacture, are disclosed for preventing SIDS, plagiocephaly, torticolli, or suffocation from regurgitation. The device and system includes an infant positioner with a concave back support and abdominal support for positioning an infant on its side. A position marker can also indicate how to position the infant within the infant positioner.

Abstract: A self crimping connector for securing very fine wires of the order of 0.0015" diameter into an electrical connector is described. A terminal block having an opening at least five times the diameter of the wire is preferably gold plated and the wire is inserted. A malleable metal pin means, preferably a gold pin having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the opening, is inserted between the wire and a sidewall of the opening. A longitudinal force is applied to the exposed end of the pin so as to radially expand the pin and force it into locking engagement with the wire and the sidewall without deforming or nicking the wire and thus weakening it.

Abstract: A sliderless shuttle and wire guide assembly for toroidal coil winding machines provides unusually compact storage for winding wire or tape carried by the shuttle. The novel cross-sectional configuration of the shuttle permits winding of extremely small toroidal cores. An adjustable and retractable wire guide assembly permits the use of different size shuttles for wire or insulating tape having a wide range of sizes, while also providing valuable protection against escaping coils of broken wire or the release of a "flying" empty shuttle from the coil winding machine.