Abstract: A wearable device measures heart rate recovery of a user in a non-clinical setting. The wearable device comprises a heart rate detector configured to detect heart rate data of the user, an activity sensor configured to detect motion of the user, and a processor. The processor is configured to identify a start of an activity by the user using the motion detected by the activity sensor. Responsive to detecting the start of the activity, the processor monitors the motion detected by the activity sensor to identify an end of the activity. A regression analysis is performed on heart rate data detected by the heart rate detector during a period of time after the end of the activity, and the heart rate recovery of the user is determined using the regression analysis.

Abstract: A dental appliance is described herein. The dental appliance includes an abutment device adapted to be coupled to a jawbone and a sensor support assembly coupled to the abutment device. The sensor support assembly includes a sensor chamber that is configured to receive a sensing device therein. A chamber cover is coupled to the sensor support assembly to enclose the sensor chamber. The chamber cover includes a plurality of orifices that are configured to couple the sensor chamber in flow communication with an oral cavity. A tooth cap is coupled to the abutment device and includes a cap opening to receive the sensor support assembly therein.

Abstract: This invention is smart clothing which enables human motion capture through combined analysis of data from inertial sensors, strain (or bend) sensors, and electromyographic (EMG) sensors. In a preferred embodiment, a first inertial motion sensor is located proximal to the body joint, a second inertial sensor is located distal to the body joint, two strain sensors span the body joint in different configurations, and an electromyographic (EMG) sensor collects data concerning electromagnetic energy from the muscles which move the body joint.

Abstract: A system for monitoring vital signs, configured to be used in conjunction with a computerized mobile device, the system including: a cover sensor assembly adapted to be operably engaged with the computerized mobile device, the cover sensor assembly having integrated therein at least one physiological sensor; a physiological data acquisition module configured to generate a physiological parameter measurement descriptive of a physical stimulus received by the at least one physiological sensor, and a validation module configured to control a validity status of the physiological parameter measurement.

Abstract: Within examples, a surgical device with an embedded sensor system for performing hip replacements is described. This device mitigates fracturing of the mid metaphyseal/diaphyseal region of the femur, and ensures adequate press-fit of the component into the bone. The device relays information regarding forces experienced by the patient's bone to a separate data acquisition device and displays it on an interface. This information is used by the surgeon to determine the force present inside of the patient's bone during broaching, and can then be used to provide better care, and mitigate fractures due to overloading in the bone.

Abstract: A datum warning method is applied to a bio-sensor module equipped in a wearable electronic device with the datum warning function. The datum warning method includes continuously receiving a plurality of physical signals, identifying if one specific physical signal meets a predefined condition, and outputting a warning signal to show a reminder when the specific physical signal is identified.

Abstract: A patient monitor including a physiological measurement logic engine receives physiological data from a physiological sensor. The logic engine abstracts one or more features of the physiological data and determines a category for the abstracted feature. The logic engine further encodes the category of each of the one or more features and determines an action to perform based on the encoded categories.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention may include a method, computer program product and computer system for glucose management. The method, computer program product and computer system may include a computing device which may collect application data associated with a user and receive data from the user. The computing device may create a user profile from the received data and analyze the collected application data and the user profile to identify one or more user activities and associated blood glucose levels for the user for the one or more activities. The computing device may analyze the application data to determine a current status of the user or a future planned activity of the user is associated with an abnormal blood glucose level. The computing device may generate a recommendation for maintaining a normal blood glucose level for display to the user.

Abstract: Devices and methods for generating synthetic cardio-respiratory signals from one or more ballistocardiogram (BCG) sensors. A method for determining item specific parameters includes obtaining ballistocardiogram (BCG) data from one or more sensors, where the one or more sensors capture BCG data for one or more subjects in relation to a substrate. For each subject, the captured BCG data is pre-processed to obtain cardio-respiratory BCG data. The cardio-respiratory BCG data is sub-sampled to generate the cardio-respiratory BCG data at a cardio-respiratory sampling rate conducive to cardio-respiratory signal generation. The sub-sampled cardio-respiratory BCG data is cardio-respiratory processed to generate a cardio-respiratory parameter set. A synthetic cardio-respiratory signal is generated from at least the cardio-respiratory parameter set and a cardio-respiratory event morphology template. A condition of the subject is determined based on the synthetic cardio-respiratory signal.

Abstract: A sensor system for obtaining and displaying information relating to physiological parameters, such as Total Hemoglobin and Pulse rate for use by a user such as an athlete. The system can present the measured physiological parameters to the user in a useful way. For example the system can display a visual multi quadrant infographic display, which can present the total hemoglobin values measured by the system in a particular season. The system can also display a visual elevation infographic display, which can present a comparison of the total hemoglobin values measured by the system over a period of time and/or at various altitudes. The system can also display a visual yin-yang infographic display, which can present a comparison of one or more metrics calculated by the system or one or more parameters measured by the system. The system can provide useful information about the user's health and/or well-being and allow the user to quickly and easily view and interpret relevant information.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods of enabling an on-the-fly generation of at least one user-defined montage from EEG electrodes positioned in a patient's brain, on the patient's brain and/or on the patient's scalp. The methods includes generating a graphical interface to display a view of the patient's brain and/or scalp overlaid with the EEG electrodes, each of which is uniquely identified with reference to its position in the patient's brain, on the patient's brain and/or on the patient's scalp, displaying a tool within the graphical interface for selecting at least one electrode from the displayed EEG electrodes, indicating a reference electrode corresponding to the selected electrode, accessing EEG signals corresponding to the electrode and the reference electrode, and generating another graphical interface to display an EEG trace indicative of a comparison of EEG signals of the electrode and the reference electrode.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus comprises: an obtainment unit configured to obtain a radiation image of a subject; a generation unit configured to generate, based on a plurality of radiation images obtained by radiation of mutually different spectra, a material characteristic image in which a region for each material can be extracted from the interior of the subject; and an image processing unit configured to perform processing of enhancing or attenuating, based on a position of a specific region in the material characteristic image, the specific region in the radiation image.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor (10) is attached to a collimator (12) and detects an acceleration of the collimator (12), and a speed calculation unit that calculates the speed of the collimator 12 on a basis of the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor (10). When the speed of the collimator (12) exceeds a setting speed that is set in advance, a lifting or lowering of an arm (13) is stopped by attaching a permanent electromagnet (42) to a stopper plate (43). In addition, a warning message as a warning indication is displayed on a display unit, and a warning sound as a warning indication is generated from a speaker. Accordingly, damage to an apparatus is prevented.

Abstract: A shield structure configured to protect a head and/or neck of a patient during a radiologic procedure comprises a bottom wall, a side wall, and an opening. The bottom wall includes radiation attenuating material and is configured to be positioned between the head and/or neck of the patient and a radiation source so as to shield the patient from radiation directed toward the bottom of the patient. The bottom wall is of a general size to shield the head and/or neck of the patient. The side wall includes radiation attenuating material and is configured to extend upward from the bottom wall so as to shield the patient from radiation directed toward a side of the patient. The opening is configured to receive the head and/or neck of the patient.

Abstract: Methods and systems for establishing a kinetic model input function (IF) in positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography are provided. A position of interaction along a scintillating fiber coil is determined by: detecting a first plurality and second plurality of photons at first and second ends of the scintillating fiber coil; associating the first plurality of photons and the second plurality of photons with the interaction event based on a timing parameter; and determining a position of interaction for the interaction event based on a comparison between a first parameter of the first plurality of photons and a second parameter of the photons in the second plurality of photons.

Abstract: Supporting devices for small and portable X-ray devices are described in this application. In particular, this application describes a supporting device for a portable X-ray device that contains a movable base unit containing multiple legs with different lengths and heights configured so that the legs have a nestable configuration, an adjustable member extending from the mobile base unit where the adjustable member is configured with an adjustable height, an extension arm connected to the adjustable member where the extension arm is configured to collapse toward and extend away from the adjustable arm, and a connecting member configured to connect the extension arm with a portable x-ray device where the connecting member is able to rotate up to 360 degrees in the x, y, or z direction.

Abstract: A mobile X-ray system for digital tomography is disclosed. The mobile X-ray system comprising a multiple degree of freedom robotic arm comprising one or more extendable arms and a column member; an X-ray source mounted on an extendable arm of the one or more extendable arms; an X-ray detector; and a control unit coupled to the robotic arm, the X-ray source and the X-ray detector, wherein the control unit is configured to control the movement of the extendable arm and the column member for moving the X-ray source along a path to perform tomography imaging of a subject.

Abstract: Clamping mechanisms that assist with the operation of small, portable x-ray devices are described. A support structure contains a clamping device for a portable X-ray device having a C-arm and a bottom containing a cradle configured to abut and support a C-arm of the portable x-ray device, a mounting plate configured to support a bottom portion of the portable x-ray device. The mounting plate has length members with ridges and a width member extending between the length members, a registration insert configured to mate with an opening in the portable x-ray device, and two clamps configured to secure the portable x-ray device to a cradle and the mounting plate. This clamping device allows the portable x-ray device to be quickly and easily attached to, and detached from, the support structure using only a single hand, while simultaneously preventing the portable x-ray device from accidentally being removed. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A tomographic image processing apparatus including a display, an input interface configured to receive an external input, a storage storing an input tomographic image of an object, and at least one processor configured to control the display to display the input tomographic image, determine a material combination to be separated from the input tomographic image, and control the display to display material separation information corresponding to the determined material combination for a region of interest selected in the input tomographic image based on the external input. The input tomographic image is a spectral tomographic image having a plurality of tomographic images respectively corresponding to a plurality of energy levels.

Abstract: A method is for generating a synthetic mammogram. In an embodiment, the method incudes acquisition of a plurality of projection data sets at a plurality of projection angles; and generation of at least one synthetic mammogram with an image property essentially equivalent to a conventional full-field digital mammography acquisition based on several projection data sets.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, the present technique finds a diagnostic scan timing for a non-static object (e.g., a heart or other dynamic object undergoing motion) from raw scan data, as opposed to reconstructed image data. To find the scan timing, a monitoring scan of a patient's heart is performed. In the monitoring scan, the patient dose may be limited or minimized. As the projection data is acquired during such a monitoring scan, the projection data may be subjected to sinogram analysis in a concurrent or real-time manner to determine when to start (or trigger) the diagnostic scan.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a hardware processor that: calculates a representative signal value in a region where no signal value variations attributable to dynamic states of an object are present, in each of a plurality of frame images acquired by consecutively applying radiation onto the object a plurality of times, and extracts high-frequency components of changes over time in the calculated representative signal values; and corrects signal value variations attributable to a fact that an irradiation amount varies each time the radiation is applied, by subtracting the extracted high-frequency components from the plurality of frame images, respectively, or dividing the plurality of frame images by the extracted high-frequency components, respectively.

Abstract: A system for analyzing image data can include a processor to detect a set of medical images and partition each medical image into a plurality of non-overlapping or overlapping patches. The processor can also generate an ordered set of patch clusters derived from the medical images, wherein the patch clusters are sorted based on a type of tissue identified in each of the medical images. Additionally, the processor can generate a digital representation of a percentage of the type of tissue calculated for each of the medical images and transmit an alert in response to detecting that the percentage of the type of tissue for an image exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Methods are presented for simulating drug movement within a model of a tumor that is mapped to the specific anatomy of the corresponding tumor in a patient as determined by imaging. With a segmentation of the tumor into distinct interconnected compartments and pre-determined initial parameters for the distributed tissue diffusivities and perfusion levels, the disclosed techniques can be used to predict the drug concentration throughout the tumor as a function of time, as well as the accumulation of drug in the rest of the body. In this way, advantageous initial parameters may be determined using the model. It is also possible to predict drug concentration throughout the tumor for a given intravenous injection of drug. Such a model serves an important role in treatment planning for lung tumors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of radiography of an organ of a patient, including: first and second vertical scanning being performed synchronously, wherein a computed correction is processed on both first and second raw images, on at least part of patient scanned height, for at least overweight or obese patients, so as to reduce, between first and second corrected images, cross-scattering existing between the first and second raw images, and wherein the computed correction processing on both the first and second raw images includes: a step of making a patient specific modeling, using as patient specific data therefore at least both first and second raw images, a step of determining a patient specific representation of radiation scattering by the patient specific modeling, a step of processing the patient specific radiation scattering representation on both the first and second raw images so as to get the first and second corrected images.

Abstract: A fetal heart rate monitor useful for locating and monitoring fetal heartbeat signal is disclosed. The fetal heart rate monitor may include: at least one Doppler transducer for acquiring said fetal heartbeat signal; at least one processor configured for processing data received from said at least one Doppler transducer and for determining whether the data is sufficient for acquiring and monitoring the fetal heartbeat signal and, if not sufficient, for providing guidance to a user to make location changes; and, at least one communication module for providing the guidance to the user. Said guidance may include guiding instructions to detect said fetal heartbeat signal according to feedback received from said at least one Doppler transducer and processed by said at least one processor and may further include verbal instructions comprising directions where to move the Doppler transducer on an abdomen of an expected mother.

Abstract: Provided is a method (200) for generating a combined anatomical model of a heart. The method comprises receiving (220) a non-contrast agent-enhanced ultrasound image of a left ventricular region of the heart and receiving (240) a contrast agent-enhanced ultrasound image of the left ventricular region of the heart. Image registration (260) is performed on the respective non-contrast agent-enhanced and contrast agent-enhanced ultrasound images, such that the respective images are aligned. Combined segmentation (270) of the aligned non-contrast agent-enhanced and contrast agent-enhanced ultrasound images is then carried out to generate the combined anatomical model. The combined segmentation (270) uses features of both of the aligned non-contrast agent-enhanced and contrast agent-enhanced ultrasound images as target points. Further provided is a processor arrangement adapted to implement the method and an ultrasound system comprising the processor arrangement.

Abstract: Techniques for mapping behavior of a heart include acquiring a series of two or more images of the heart. The series of images is taken at one or more pixel locations, each pixel location corresponding to a region of the heart. Image data corresponding to the pixel locations can be obtained, and a periodicity of the image data measured for each of the pixel locations over the series of images. The periodicity corresponds to an electromechanical signal of the heart in the region corresponding to the measured one or more pixel locations.

Abstract: A wearable patch (10) is disclosed comprising an ultrasound transducer (30) mounted on the patch and a fluid reservoir (50) for containing a coupling agent (60) for the ultrasound transducer, said fluid reservoir being delimited by a portion (20) of the patch and a seal ring (40) extending from the patch, said seal ring surrounding the ultrasound transducer and comprising a plurality of fluid conduits (43, 45) extending from the fluid reservoir at least partially through the seal ring. Also disclosed are a wearable patch kit, assembly and application method.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: an ultrasonic probe configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal to an object and receive an echo signal reflected from the object; a display configured to output an ultrasound image output by the ultrasonic probe and a medical image having a modality different from that of the ultrasound image in a matched state; an inputter configured to receive a user input for adjusting a range of an output area of the medical image; and a controller configured to control an ultrasonic beam of the ultrasonic probe to adjust an output area of the ultrasound image in response to detecting that the output area of the medical image is adjusted by the user input.

Abstract: Methods for estimating the phase velocity of a shear wave from ultrasound data are described. An ultrasound system is used to measure one or more shear waves propagating in a region-of-interest in a subject, and from this data the phase velocity of the one or more shear waves can be estimated. In general, the phase velocity is estimated from a wavenumber spectrum computed from temporal frequency data generated by Fourier transforming the ultrasound data along one or more temporal dimensions. A multiple signal classification (i.e., MUSIC) technique is adapted to separate the temporal frequency data into signal and noise subspaces, from which wavenumber spectra can be estimated based, at least in part, on an estimation function.

Abstract: A fully automated ultrasound apparatus includes a sensor or probe which can be initially manually attached to a side of the neck of a patient, an ultrasound interface to control the sensor and periodically acquire raw ultrasound data, a signal and image processing system to autonomously convert the raw ultrasound data into a measurement that is useful to physicians, and a display to relay the current measurements and measurement history to provide data trends. The sensor can include one or more ultrasound transducers built into a housing. A disposable component can serve to secure the sensor to the neck of the patient and to provide a coupling medium between the sensor and the skin of the patient.

Abstract: An intraluminal imaging device is provided that includes a flexible elongate member (115) configured for positioning within a body lumen of a patient, a support member (300) coupled to the flexible elongate member, and an imaging assembly (110) coupled to the support member. The support member can include a proximal section (310) configured to interface with a distal portion of the flexible elongate member and a distal section (320) configured to interface with a proximal end of the imaging assembly, wherein the proximal section has a first diameter and the distal section has a second diameter less than the first diameter.

Abstract: A switch circuit connected to a transducer, a reception circuit connected to the switch circuit, a first switch element connected to a reception terminal provided between the switch circuit and the reception circuit, a first resistance element connected to a control terminal of the switch circuit, a second resistance element provided inside the reception circuit, and a second switch element provided inside the reception circuit are provided.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of the present invention includes: a transmitter that generates and outputs a plurality of drive signals to a transducer of an ultrasound probe, the drive signals causing the transducer to transmit a plurality of transmission ultrasound waves that have different waveforms in a temporally shifted manner, the drive signals being compensated for asymmetry of the transmission sound pressure waveforms of the plurality of transmission ultrasound waves transmitted from the transducer; and a hardware processor configured to extract a harmonic component according to a plurality of reception signals, and generating an ultrasound image based on the extracted harmonic component.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a capacitive micromachined transducers for ultrasound imaging having pressure calibrator to compensate for ultrasound image distortions caused by environmental pressure changes. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method to calibrate a first ultrasound transducer of an array of ultrasound transducers for ambient pressure variation. The method includes the steps of detecting a real-time ambient pressure value; determining a pressure difference value between the detected ambient pressure value and a predetermined pressure value; and calibrating the first ultrasound transducers to compensate for the determined pressure difference.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward methods for obtaining and processing ocular fluid samples from a subject in preparation for further analysis for diagnostic purposes. Ocular fluid provides a superior sample medium for biomarker analysis as compared to other biological media such as blood, serum, saliva, urine or bodily secretions. Proper sample collection and processing is critical for further use as a diagnostic medium as studies have shown that biomarkers found in ocular fluid can degrade quickly if mishandled.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices are provided for continuous sampling of biological fluid for extended periods of time, e.g. for periods of time up to and including 10 days. The microfluidic devices can be made from porous hydrophilic substrate, e.g. hydrophilic paper substrates. The devices can include a collection pad, an evaporative pump, and a channel connecting the collection pad and the evaporative pump. Hydrogels at the collection pad can promote collection of sweat or other biological fluids from a subject, which in some aspects is assisted by the use of one or more microneedles on the substrate. An evaporative pump can provide for long periods of sampling by providing continual pumping, e.g. through the use of an evaporation pad where sampled fluid can evaporate.

Abstract: A polyp trap has an upper housing with a domed, top view window for viewing tissue retained by a disk seated in a lower housing which is held in place by the upper housing, when the upper housing is coupled to the lower housing. In one example, the upper housing holds the disk in place by engaging a post, which doubles as a handle for removing tissue from the trap with the disk and transferring the tissue to a storage container or bag. Mating posts in the lower housing may engage guide holes in the disk to further secure the disk in the trap.

Abstract: A medical mechatronic male interface device for coupling a surgical assistance system to a mounting structure has a base with an end face, a functional body, extending from the end face, first mechanical coupling means for positive and/or non-positive coupling to a corresponding medical mechatronic female interface device, and at least one first electronic interface for connecting to a corresponding second electronic interface of the female interface device. The functional body has a centring device to center the surgical assistance system free of play relative to the base. The centring device has a first functional surface, a second functional surface, and a third functional surface that are not parallel to each other and that have normals which do not lie in a common plane. A corresponding female interface device and a mounting arm and a surgical assistance system are also described.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a device for occluding an aperture in a body, for example, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), including a first side adapted to be disposed on one side of the septum and a second side adapted to be disposed on the opposite side of the septum. The device has an elongated, low-profile delivery configuration and a shortened, radially expanded deployment configuration. The first and second sides are adapted to occlude the aperture upon deployment of the device at its intended delivery location. The device also includes a radially expandable center portion. In some embodiments, the center portion includes a plurality of ribs provided by slits in device. The ribs expand radially when the device is deployed. The expandable center portion facilitates the positioning of the device in the aperture. The device can be secured in the deployed configuration using a catch system.

Abstract: An endoscopic snare net comprises a net engaging a loop, such as by weaving the loop through a mesh of the net, and a tube having a lumen through which the net and loop may be extended and withdrawn by a control wire. The loop has one or more corners or a collared, free-floating slip tether or both thereof, which prevent the net from sliding free of the loop as the loop is retracted into the lumen of the tube, even if the loop is over-extended beyond the end of the tube.

Abstract: Stomach tissue is manipulated and fastened with a tissue grasper and a tissue shaper to form folds in the stomach. The tissue grasper and the tissue shaper rotate and translate relative to one another. The tissue grasper has a plurality of vacuum orifices to adhere the tissue grasper to tissue.

Abstract: A developing body includes: an excluding portion including a movable wire and fixing wires arranged around the movable wire, a distal end of the movable wire and distal ends of the fixing wires being connected to each other; an insertion tube allowing the movable wire to pass therethrough; and a restriction member that is connected to a proximal end of the movable wire. The restriction member restricts the movement of the movable wire when the restriction member abuts against the first grip portion. When the first grip portion and the second grip portion are moved relative to each other so as to be close to each other in this state, the excluding portion is developed by bringing the distal end of the insertion tube and the distal end of the movable wire to be close to each other to deflect the fixing wire.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods of soft tissue repair using pre-looped tensionable and non-pre-looped tensionable knotless fixation devices. A flexible material (for example, suture or suture tape) may be attached to the fixation device. A flexible material may be threaded through an eyelet of a tip provided as part of a swivel anchor assembly to provide added stability to the fixation devices.

Abstract: A heart tissue gripping device may include a body portion, an elongate shaft, and a tissue gripping member that is attached to the distal end of the elongate shaft. The tissue gripping member being may be positioned adjacent a heart surface by insertion through an incision in the body. The tissue gripping member may releasably attach to tissue of the heart surface to facilitate a surgical instrument in performing one or more procedures. A coupling of the tissue gripping member may releasably attach the surgical device to the tissue gripping member to allow the device to access the tissue of the heart surface.

Abstract: An endoscopic suturing system and method are disclosed as are devices for use with the system and method such as a suture dispenser, a cinch device, and a tissue grasper. In one embodiment the suturing system includes a cap assembly arranged at the distal end portion of an endoscope or guide member, with the cap assembly including a rotatable needle holder. The needle holder is actuated through a transmission element extending outside the endoscope or guide member. A needle capture device may be inserted through a channel of the endoscope or guide member in order to capture a needle held in the needle holder when the needle holder is rotated so that the needle punctures tissue.

Abstract: An endoscopic suturing system and method are disclosed as are devices for use with the system and method such as a suture dispenser, a cinch device, and a tissue grasper. In one embodiment the suturing system includes a cap assembly arranged at the distal end portion of an endoscope or guide member, with the cap assembly including a rotatable needle holder. The needle holder is actuated through a transmission element extending outside the endoscope or guide member. A needle capture device may be inserted through a channel of the endoscope or guide member in order to capture a needle held in the needle holder when the needle holder is rotated so that the needle punctures tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating a tissue opening, for example a trocar opening used in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. In a tissue closure device, a finger guard or shield can be used, handle or holding area or areas can be used, and positioning indicators can be used. A resiliently flexible target material can also be used for reliably holding a suture during the procedure. Introducers can be used having a suture holder, an alignment indicator and insertion limits.

Abstract: Adapter assemblies selectively interconnect a surgical end effector that is configured to perform at least a pair of functions and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector. The adapter assembly includes an adapter knob housing configured and adapted for connection with the surgical device and to be in operative communication with each of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device. The adapter knob housing defines a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough and a ring gear formed in an inner surface of the lumen of the adapter knob housing. The ring gear defines an internal array of gear teeth which are engaged with a spur gear of a rotatable drive shaft. The adapter knob housing may be a unitary member and may be formed of plastic.