Showing papers on "Paddle published in 2009"

Paddle-style medical lead and method

Abstract: A medical lead for electrical stimulation or sensing. The medical lead has a generally flat paddle on the distal end of the lead body. An electrode array is provided on the paddle, with the electrode array displaced along the length of the paddle toward the distal end. Advantages include allowing the electrode array may be advanced into position for electrical stimulation or sensing with the flat paddle extending through connective tissue, such as the ligamentum flavum, thus facilitating repositioning, withdrawal or explanting the medical lead, as well as using the flat features of the paddle to anchor the lead to the connective tissue.

Self-folding paddle lead and method of fabricating a paddle lead

Abstract: In one embodiment, a medical lead comprises a lead body for conducting electrical pulses and a paddle. The paddle includes an intermediate metal layer, at least an insulative polymer backing layer, and an insulative polymer covering layer. The intermediate metal layer comprises a plurality of features defined by gaps in the metal material in the metal layer such that each feature is electrically isolated from each other feature, wherein each feature includes a respective connector element that is electrically coupled to at least one conductor within the lead body, wherein a portion of the insulative polymer covering layer is exposed above each feature to define a respective electrode for the corresponding feature. Also, the paddle possesses shape memory to cause the paddle to assume a substantially planar orientation when the shape memory is in a relaxed state.

Task Performance is Prioritized Over Energy Reduction

Abstract: The objective of this study was to characterize the temporal relationship between hand stiffness and task performance during adaptation to a brief contact task that required precision at the time of contact. The experiment required subjects to control the vertical position of a paddle on a computer display by grasping a robot's instrumented handle, with the goal of intercepting a virtual ball within 1 mm from the paddle center. A force transient was applied to the hand immediately after the ball-paddle impact to estimate the intrinsic hand impedance. There were two main results: 1) more trials were required for a brief contact task to find a low-energy strategy when compared with tasks that received feedback through the entire movement trajectory and 2) when the whole course of adaptation is long for brief contact tasks, viscoelastic forces were increased to achieve the task goal before the energy reduction initiated. Also, as the accuracy requirement was increased by changing the gain between handle and paddle motion through visual amplification, peak stiffness increased and occurred later, indicating that higher energy strategies are used for longer when the task's accuracy requirements were increased. These results indicated that task performance may be prioritized over energy reduction for a brief contact task.

Device and method for determining force of a knee joint

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical device for determining the joint force of a patient's knee joint includes a tibial paddle shaped to be positioned in the patient's knee joint and a handle extending from the tibial paddle. The tibial paddle includes a sensor array positioned therein and configured to generate sensor signals indicative of the joint force of the patient's knee joint. The orthopaedic surgical device also includes a control circuit configured to control a display located on the handle to provide a visual indication of the medial and lateral balance of the joint force.

Stimulation system with percutaneously deliverable paddle lead and methods of making and using

Abstract: An implantable lead includes an expandable paddle body and a plurality of electrodes disposed on the paddle body. The electrodes are configured and arranged to provide electrical stimulation to adjacent tissue when implanted and the lead is coupled to a control module. The paddle body is configured for percutaneous implantation through an introducer followed by expansion of a volume of the paddle body by at least 10%. Alternatively, the paddle body is configured for percutaneous implantation and when implanted the lead is configured and arranged so that a position or orientation of the plurality of electrodes relative to the paddle body can be altered.

Bouncing an Unconstrained Ball in Three Dimensions with a Blind Juggling Robot

Abstract: We describe the design of a juggling robot that is able to vertically bounce a completely unconstrained ball without any sensing. The robot consists of a linear motor actuating a machined aluminum paddle. The curvature of this paddle keeps the ball from falling off while the apex height of the ball is stabilized by decelerating the paddle at impact. We analyze the mapping of perturbations of the nominal trajectory over a single bounce to determine the design parameters that stabilize the system. The first robot prototype confirms the results from the stability analysis and exhibits substantial robustness to perturbations in the horizontal degree of freedoms. We then measure the performance of the robot and characterize the noise introduced into the system as white noise. This allows us to refine the design parameters by minimizing the H 2 norm of an input-output representation of the system. Finally, we design an H 2 optimal controller for the apex height using impact time measurements as feedback and show that the closed-loop performance is only marginally better than what is achieved with open-loop control.

A trajectory tracking controller for an underwater hexapod vehicle.

Abstract: This paper describes work done in the modeling and control of a low speed underwater vehicle that uses paddles instead of thrusters to move in the water. A review of previously modeled vehicles and of controller designs for underwater applications is presented. Then, a method to accurately predict the thrust produced by an oscillating flexible paddle is developed and validated. This is followed by the development of a method to determine the ideal paddle motion to produce a desired thrust. Several controllers are then developed and tested using a numerical simulation of the vehicle. We found that some model-based controllers could improve the performance of the system while others showed no benefit. Finally, we report results from experimental trials performed in an open water environment comparing the performance of the controllers. The experimental results showed that all the model-based controllers outperform the simple proportional-derivative controller. The controller giving the best performance was the model-based nonlinear controller. We also found that the vehicle was able to follow a change of a roll angle of 90? in 0.7 s and to precisely follow a sinusoidal trajectory with a period of 6.28 s and an amplitude of 5?.

Calibrating pixel elements

Abstract: A composite display is disclosed. In some embodiments, a composite display includes a paddle configured to sweep out an area, a plurality of pixel elements mounted on the paddle, and one or more optical sensors mounted on the paddle and configured to measure luminance values of the plurality of pixel elements. Selectively activating one or more of the plurality of pixel elements while the paddle sweeps the area causes at least a portion of an image to be rendered.

Printed circuit assembly with determination of storage configuration based on installed paddle board

Abstract: A printed circuit assembly, along with a server and method incorporating such printed circuit assembly, are disclosed for determining a storage configuration for use in a computer system via a simple hardware change. The printed circuit assembly may comprise a paddle board slot for connection to a paddle board for determining a storage configuration; a bus coupled to the paddle board; and a southbridge coupled to the bus, the southbridge comprising signal lines coupled to the paddle board slot through the bus. The storage configuration of the printed circuit assembly may be determined via the paddle board when the paddle board is connected to the paddle board slot.

Tumbler with stirring assembly

Abstract: A container having a removable lid, a hollow interior for storing contents, and a stirring assembly. The stirring assembly includes a rotatable wheel mounted to an outside portion of the removable lid and a shaft extending into the hollow interior of the container. The rotatable wheel is manually rotatable about a first axis of rotation. The shaft is rotatable by the wheel. When the wheel is rotated about the first axis of rotation, the wheel rotates the shaft about a second axis of rotation. At least one paddle extends outwardly from the shaft into the hollow interior of the container and stirs or agitates the contents of the container when the rotation of the shaft about the second axis of rotation rotates the at least one paddle inside the hollow interior of the container.

Multimode bionic amphibious robot

Abstract: The invention provides a multimodal amphibious bio-robot, which comprises a head, a replaceable wheel paddle/flipper mechanism, a propelling unit and a caudal peduncle compound drive mechanism In water, the propelling unit and the caudal peduncle compound drive mechanism oscillate back and forth to propel by imitating a fish in the plane, and a rotating mechanism rotates the propelling unit and the caudal peduncle compound drive mechanism for 90 degrees, and switches the moving mode of propelling by imitating a fish into that of swimming by imitating a dolphin; and the flipper mechanism assists the tail propelling to accomplish actions of moving forward, moving backward, turning and pitching, and the paddle mechanism assists the robot turning On land, the flipper mechanism rotates continuously to make the robot creep on the ground, imitates the movement of a wheel mechanism when rotating continuously, thereby the robot improves the speed of the movement, has obstacle-climbing capability, and a driven wheel reduces the resistance of the movement on the land The robot can induce the own environment in real time by two liquid level sensors arranged at the head and the propelling unit respectively; and when the land and water environments are changed, according to the information of the liquid level sensors, a main control panel uses corresponding movement policies to accomplish the intelligent switching between the modes of moving on the land and in the water

Performance Evaluation of Double-Hub Paddle Wheel Aerator

Abstract: Aeration performance of a 500 mm diameter double-hub paddle wheel aerator was tested in a brick masonry tank of 5.9 2.91.6 m 3 . The prime objective of the present study is to evaluate the aeration performance of double-hub paddle wheels at different dynamic conditions. The results showed that the oxygen transfer simulation curve for double hub almost matched that of a single-hub paddle wheel. However, the power consumption simulation curve for double hub distinctly deviated from that of a single-hub paddle wheel due to the fact that if geometric and process conditions remain the same, a double-hub paddle wheel consumes more power than a single hub. Hence, a separate power consumption simulation equation was developed for a double-hub paddle wheel. The optimum dynamic condition producing maximum standard aeration efficiency is also presented along with a sample calculation.

Self-resetting paddle target

Abstract: A self-resetting paddle target is comprised of at least one paddle mounted to a carrier body. The carrier body is rotatably mounted to a support rod such that the carrier body may freely rotate about the support rod. The carrier body is formed as a cam follower configured to engage the upper surface of a carrier support member fixedly fastened to the support rod and that acts as a cam. The interaction of the carrier body and the carrier support member controls the rotation of the carrier body about the support rod and allows the paddle to reset itself after being impacted by a projectile. A plurality of paddles may be disposed along the support rod.

Compound rotational grip

Abstract: An improved paddle apparatus for standup paddling of surfboards or like water craft, having a plurality of hand grip portions rotatably mounted relative to the paddle shaft, and a means of paddling whereby the operator can ergonomically paddle with greater power and control on either side of the water craft without breaking either hand grip. A further improvement includes using the handgrip in the position perpendicular to the paddle shaft to determine the blade position by feel and steer with greater torque. An alternative embodiment includes rotation of the grip itself, further reducing the twisting of the wrists and other joints.

Design and Fabrication of a Passive-Function, Cylindrical Grasp Terminal Device

Abstract: To assist upper extremity amputees with achieving stable grasps of cylindrical tools, this article describes the development and testing of a prosthetic device for recreational kayak paddling. Initial development included participation of a non-amputee expert kayakist. Subsequent testing of the device used a pseudo-prosthesis for testing on a non-amputee subject, followed by qualitative feedback on the device from a unilateral transradial amputee. The device was evaluated by exploring whether subjects could independently don the terminal device, apply the paddle and use it in a pool and on a river. A semi-hinged, two hemi-cylinder sleeve was designed to be fitted onto a kayak paddle. The terminal device's frame, a second (larger) semi-hinged two hemi-cylinder sleeve, attached the device to the prosthesis. This second sleeve had internal edges that prevent lateral shifting. This component allowed smooth paddle rotation while preventing lateral shift and maintaining grasp. The non-amputee subject was successful at donning the pseudo-prosthesis and paddling. Similarly, the amputee subject was also able to don the prosthesis and paddle using the device. The design reported here is a viable option for fabricating a cylindrical grasp, passive function terminal device for kayaking. It is adaptable to other cylindrical grasp functions such as lifting an exercise weight.

Effect of the geometry on the performance of the Maxblend™ impeller with viscous Newtonian fluids

Abstract: Experimental and numerical investigations have been carried out to assess the effect of the vessel geometry (number of baffles) and the shape of the Maxblend impeller (configuration of the bottom paddle and angle of the upper grid) with viscous Newtonian fluids in the laminar and lower turbulent mixing regimes. Two parameters have been explored namely the power consumption of the impeller and the mixing time. Videos of the discoloration process have also been taken to get access to the mixing patterns. A nominal 50-l vessel has been used in the experiments. The number of baffles has been varied from 1 to 4, and the bottom paddle has been modified by making openings to allow flow passage. Finally, the effect of using a straight grid in the upper part of the Maxblend has been studied under the same conditions. It is shown that the number of baffles does not have a significant effect on the power consumption, the mixing evolution, and the mixing time regardless of the flow regime. Making openings in the bottom paddle allows for the destruction of the segregated zones at the bottom of the tank at the expense of a very slight increase in power consumption and mixing time. Finally, the power and mixing time are both increased with a straight grid Maxblend. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hydroelectric power system

Abstract: A hydroelectric power system includes a plurality of paddle wheels, a plurality of electrical generators, a pumping system and a support structure. The support structure includes a water reservoir and at least one water channel contained in an inclined surface. The pumping system includes a plurality of inlet pipes and water pumps that pump water from a body of water into the water reservoir. The plurality of paddle wheels are rotatably retained along a length of the inclined surface. The paddle wheel includes tank paddles that are partially filled with water. The plurality of electrical generators are retained on the support structure. Each electrical generator includes a plurality of stator sections that are engaged or disengaged through a control device. Water in the water reservoir flows down at least one water channel and causes the plurality of paddle wheels to rotate, which causes the electrical generators to generate electricity.

Expansion handle for mobile phone game

Abstract: The utility model provides a telescopic cell phone game paddle, which is formed by connecting a direction control handle, a push-button handle and a telescoping device. The telescopic cell phone game paddle freely adjusts a clamp port distance between the direction control handle and the push-button handle through the telescoping device to clamp a cell phone for playing games. Compared with an existing cell phone game paddle, the telescopic cell phone game paddle has wider clamp port range when excellent operating feeling is guaranteed, is suitable for more cell phones with different sizes, and has smaller volume when in contracting, and is convenient to carry.

Design and development of a novel paddle test structure for the mechanical behavior measurement of thin films application for MEMS

Abstract: A new technique was developed for studying the mechanical behavior of thin films on substrate applications for micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS). The test structure was designed on novel “paddle” cantilever beam coated thin film specimens with dimensions of a few hundred to 50 nm. This beam has a triangle shape that provides a uniform plane strain distribution. Standard clean room processing was used to prepare the paddle sample. The experiment can be operated using the electrostatic force to deflect the “paddle” cantilever beam and measure the mechanical response of the sample with surface deposited thin film. A capacitance measurement is used to observe the deflection of the cantilever plate on the other side of the sample with respect to the electrostatic force on the one side. The measured strain was then converted through this capacitance measurement to conduct mechanical behavior studies on the coated thin film. Both system performance experiments and calculations were studied to verify the design concepts. The residual thin film stress measurements were performed and compared with the calculated results from three different forces exerted on the “paddle” cantilever beam, including the force due to the film, compliance force, and electrostatic force.

Toner cartridge capable of detecting residual amount of toner stored therein

Abstract: The present invention provides a toner cartridge which comprises: a hopper for storing toner therein; a stirring means comprising a first paddle connected to a driving source and adapted to rotate in the hopper, and a second paddle connected to the first paddle by means of an elastic member, the stirring means being adapted to stir the toner in the hopper by the first paddle and the second paddle; and a detection means comprising an encoder having a first slit and a second slit formed thereon for transmitting light therethrough, the second slit having a width different from that of the first slit, an encoder gear connected to the second paddle for driving the encoder, and a sensor 590 mounted at a sensor reference position for outputting a first signal corresponding to the first slit and a second signal corresponding to the second slit, whereby the sensor detects a time delay of the second signal with respect to the first signal to measure the residual amount of the toner. The present invention also provides an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including the toner cartridge.

Gas-liquid dispersible agitating valve for fermentation process with high viscosity

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas-liquid dispersed type stirring paddle aiming at the high viscosity fermentation process and belonging to fields of chemical engineering, biological engineering and medical engineering. The stirring paddle consists of a disk (1), even numbers of lower inclined blades (2) evenly distributed on the lower side of the outer edge of the disk and even numbers of upper blades (3) evenly distributed on the upper side of the outer edge of the disk and hubs (4); the upper blades (3) and the lower blades (2) are symmetrically connected to the upper surface and the lower surface of the disk and have a certain inclined angle, and the direction of the inclined angle is consistent with that of stirring and rotation; the inclined blades are L-shaped, outer edges (5) and inner edges (6) of the inclined blades are provided with sawteeth, the outer edges of the blades are vertical to adjacent sides thereof, and the outer edges and the inner edges of the blades have a certain inclined angle. The stirring paddle belongs to a runoff shearing paddle, the upper inclined blades and the lower inclined blades of the disk have a certain angle so as to be suitable for large air flow to disperse in liquid and improve the flowability of the liquid. The stirring paddle realizes gas-liquid dispersion of a high viscosity fluid system, provides good stirring guarantee for liquid-liquid dispersion, and has the advantages of good stirring effect, high efficiency, least energy consumption and simple structure.

Street paddle for skateboards

Abstract: A street paddle for use with long board skateboards. The paddle has a shaft, a handle and an eight sided body. Two sides of the hexagonal body are hexagonal sides and the remaining sides are rectangular. The street paddle is used by wheeled skaters to propel a skateboard on a solid surface.

Device for preparing and cooking food and associated household electrical appliance

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for preparing and cooking for a household electrical appliance, comprising a vessel (20) comprising a substantially horizontal bottom wall (201) and one or more substantially vertical walls connected to the periphery of the bottom wall (201) via a connecting wall, the said device comprising at least one blade or paddle for mixing and kneading ingredients placed in the volume of the vessel, characterized in that this blade or paddle, in its mixing and kneading position, leaves an underlying space (100) with respect to the bottom wall (201) of the vessel (20).

A method for preparing a batch of animal feed from a plurality of ingredients

Abstract: A batch of animal feed from a plurality of ingredients is prepared in a mixer/feeder wagon (1) where the ingredients require respective predefined mixing periods during a mixing cycle in the mixer/feeder wagon (1). The mixer/feeder wagon (1) comprises a mixing compartment (14) in which a mixing rotor provided by a paddle mixer (17) is rotatably mounted. Stationary chopping blades (42) mounted in a base (43) of the mixing compartment (14) co-operate with the paddle mixer (17) for chopping fibrous material during the mixing cycle. The appropriate predefined mixing periods required for the respective ingredients are determined in order to avoid over-mixing and under-mixing of the ingredients, and the predefined mixing period is defined as the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer (17) to which that ingredient is to be subjected. The duration of the mixing cycle is defined as the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer (17) to which the ingredient which requires the largest number of revolutions of the paddle mixer (17) is to be subjected. The ingredient which requires the largest number of revolutions of the paddle mixer (17) is loaded into the mixing compartment (17) at the commencement of a mixing cycle. The counts of revolutions of the paddle mixer (17) from the commencement of the mixing cycle at which the respective remaining ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment (14) are determined so that the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer (17) remaining in the mixing cycle from the count at which each ingredient is to be loaded into the mixing compartment (14) is equal to the predefined number of counts of revolutions of the paddle mixer (17) to which that ingredient is to be subjected by the paddle mixer (17).

Implantable neural stimulation electrode assemblies and methods for stimulating spinal neural sites

Abstract: An implantable neurostimulation electrode assembly comprises a first electrode unit and a second electrode unit configured to be arranged in a side-by-side configuration. The first electrode unit includes a dielectric first paddle, a plurality of first electrodes carried by the first paddle, and a guideline. The guideline has a distal section affixed to the first paddle and a proximal section having a length configured to extend externally of a patient. The second electrode unit has a dielectric second paddle and a plurality of second electrodes carried by the second paddle. The second paddle is configured to travel along the guideline and contact the first paddle in the side-by-side configuration. As a result, the first and second electrode units of this embodiment can be passed percutaneously through the same percutaneous entry hole and assembled in vivo at the stimulation site to form a larger paddle-type electrode array without surgical implantation.

Bidirectional stirring device of emulsifying machine

Abstract: The utility model relates to a bidirectional stirring device of an emulsifying machine which comprises a stirring motor, a stirring shaft and a stirring paddle, and is characterized in that the stirring shaft comprises an outer shaft and an inner shaft; the inner shaft is sleeved inside the outer shaft; the end part of the inner shaft is higher than that of the outer shaft; the stirring paddle comprises an outer paddle and an inner paddle; the outer paddle is arranged on the outer shaft, and the inner paddle is arranged on the inner shaft; a bevel gear with a downward tooth surface is fixedly sleeved at the upper end part of the inner shaft; a bevel gear with an upward tooth surface is fixedly sleeved at the upper end part of the out shaft; the output shaft of the stirring motor is vertical to the axis of the stirring shaft; the bevel gear is arranged at the end of the output shaft; and the bevel gear at the end of the output shaft is simultaneously engaged with the bevel gear at the inner shaft and the bevel gear at the outer shaft The utility model enables the inner and the outer paddles to rotate and stir in the opposite directions, thereby achieving better stirring effect, and greatly improving the stirring efficiency

Water wheel barrage energy converter

Abstract: A wheel-type of moving water energy conversion device consists of a limited number of paddles or blades attached to struts, which are secured to a central axis or geared drive shaft. The paddles or blades are hinged to the struts in a unique underneath forward position, allowing the paddle or blade to enter water in an energy conversion, flat plane and exit from water in vertical non-water lifting position. The utilization of extension arms securing paddles, the limitation of engineered positioning of paddles and the design of free paddle exit from water, provide a uniquely efficient energy conversion device for use in moving waters, such as rivers, streams, tidal flows or lake and ocean waves and currents. The device may be engineered as a low profile, rotary barrage type, with paddles or blades positioned on struts with or without telescopic arms.

Inertia Balanced Vehicle Outside Door Handle

Abstract: A door handle assembly for use with a vehicle door comprising a door paddle including an actuation arm, supported to pivot about a first axis such that lateral acceleration of the paddle and actuation arm relative to the door produces a first moment about the first axis, and masses engaged with the actuation arm and supported to pivot about a second axis, the masses being arranged such that lateral acceleration of the masses relative to the door produces a second moment about the first axis that is substantially equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the first moment.