A handheld tool includes a handle for holding by a user, an attachment arm extending from the handle that is configured to connect to a user-assistive device, a first inertial measurement unit (IMU) mounted to the attachment arm to acquire measurements of one or more of a motion or an orientation of the user-assistive device and to generate feedback data indicative of the measurements, an actuator assembly coupled to manipulate the user-assistive device via the attachment arm in at least two orthogonal dimensions, and a motion control system coupled to receive the feedback data from the first IMU and coupled to provide commands to the actuator assembly to provide auto-leveling of the user-assistive device to a frame of reference while the user manipulates the handheld tool.

A handheld system includes a housing, a motion-generating mechanism disposed within the housing, an attachment arm extending from the housing and having a first end coupled to the motion-generating mechanism and a second end configured to receive a user assistive device, a first sensor mounted to measure a first motion of the handheld system and generate a first signal indicative of the first motion, and a control system coupled to the motion-generating mechanism and the first sensor. The control system is configured to use the first signal to stabilize the user-assistive device and compensate for human tremors imparted to the housing.

Embodiments regard nutrition assessment using a handheld device. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a handle with a controller within the handle, an attachment arm extending from the handle, and a user-assistive device coupled with an end of the attachment arm, wherein the apparatus is to determine a mass held by the user-assistive device, the determination being made during a task by a user of the handheld tool including manipulation of the handheld tool.

A handheld system includes a motion-generating mechanism having a first motor mounted to a housing to generate a first rotary motion and a second motor coupled to a first output of the first motor such that the first rotary motion imparts to the second motor and rotates the second motor within the housing. The second motor generates a second rotary motion. An attachment arm extends out of the housing and has a first end coupled to a second output of the second motor and a second end configured to attach a user assistive device. A motion sensor senses a motion of the handheld system and generates a signal in response. A control system is coupled to receive the signal and to control the first and second rotary motions with commands generated based at least in part upon the signal. The commands direct the motion-generating mechanism to stabilize unintentional muscle movements.

A damped articulation system facilitates operation of a handheld implement and includes a damped pivot joint assembly comprising a pivot joint assembly including at least one pivot joint unit having a plurality of pivot joint members movably interconnected to one another. A damping assembly having a plurality of damping members interconnected to different ones of the pivot joint members and being movable therewith. The damping assembly further comprising a damping compound disposed between adjacent ones of a plurality of damping surfaces of the damping members, wherein the damping compound serves to minimize oscillation of the damped pivot joint assembly during movement of the pivot joint members having one or more damping members interconnected thereto relative to one another. A handheld implement assembly including a handle having a handheld implement attached thereto is interconnected to a terminal portion of the damped pivot joint assembly.

A system and method for stabilizing a position of an object are disclosed. The system comprises a housing that includes a subsystem. The system also includes an attachment arm coupled to the housing. At least one first sensor is placed along the attachment arm, wherein the attachment arm is configured to receive the object thereto. In response to an unintentional muscle movement by a user that adversely affects the motion of the object, the subsystem stabilizes the position of the object. The method comprises providing a subsystem within a housing and coupling an attachment arm to the housing. The method also includes placing at least one first sensor along the attachment arm, wherein the attachment arm is configured to receive the object thereto. In response to an unintentional muscle movement by a user that adversely affects the motion of the object, the subsystem stabilizes the position of the object.

A grip for a cookware handle includes a first side, a second side, a pocket between the first side and the second side, a first aperture in the first side, a second aperture in the second side, and a plug comprising a thumb grip. The plug is configured to retain the grip on a shaft received in the pocket by extending through the first aperture, the shaft, and the second aperture.

A technique for measuring and collecting human tremor data includes measuring motions of a handheld tool manipulated by a user while performing a task with the handheld tool. The motions are measured using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) disposed within a handle of the handheld tool. Motion data of the motions is recorded to a motion log stored within a memory unit of the handheld tool. The motion data contains information for determining a severity of tremors that occurred while the user performed the task with the handheld tool. The motion log is communicated to a remote server for analysis.

An anti-tremor utensil includes an anti-tremor mechanism within a hollow handle. The anti-tremor mechanism includes at least one elastic, fluid-filled ball that isolates tremor-induced motion of handle from the utensil's implement head, e.g., spoon.

An integrated enhanced grip and toothbrush consisting of an elongated contoured handle portion with an extending toothbrush in its preferred form. The handle has a plurality of finger engagement openings of flexible yieldable material in a linearly aligned spaced opposition providing for a no slip secure finger retainment for individuals with impaired or limited hand motor skills.