H01H21/26

Combining electropermanent magnets and magnetorheological fluid to modify an operation of an input device

Aspects of the invention include a computer peripheral device comprising an input element that operates based on a performance characteristic, an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly including a permanent magnet configured to generate a magnetic field and a magnetizing assembly configured to set an intensity of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, and a magnetorheological (MR) material coupled to the input element. The MR material has a viscosity that changes based on the magnetic field and affects the performance characteristic of the input element.

COMBINING ELECTROPERMANENT MAGNETS AND MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL FLUID TO MODIFY AN OPERATION OF AN INPUT DEVICE
20220171470 · 2022-06-02 ·

Aspects of the invention include a computer peripheral device comprising an input element that operates based on a performance characteristic, an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly including a permanent magnet configured to generate a magnetic field and a magnetizing assembly configured to set an intensity of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, and a magnetorheological (MR) material coupled to the input element. The MR material has a viscosity that changes based on the magnetic field and affects the performance characteristic of the input element.

Surgical footswitch having elevated auxiliary buttons
11740648 · 2023-08-29 · ·

A surgical footswitch having elevated auxiliary buttons is provided. In particular embodiments, the surgical footswitch comprises a footswitch base, a treadle mounted on the footswitch base, a first primary button positioned on an upper surface of the footswitch base along a first lateral side of the treadle, a first auxiliary button housing positioned along a lateral side of the first primary button opposite the treadle, and a first auxiliary button mounted on an upper surface of the first auxiliary button housing, wherein an upper surface of the first auxiliary button is elevated in relation to an upper surface of the first primary button. In particular embodiments, the treadle is configured to activate a first function of a surgical console, the first primary button is configured to activate a second function of the surgical console, and the first auxiliary button is configured to activate a third function of the surgical console.

Foot pedal controlled OCT-display for vitreoretinal surgery
11382501 · 2022-07-12 · ·

OCT-display for vitreoretinal surgery may be foot pedal controlled. Specifically, the tissue layers displayed in an en face image generated from OCT scanning may be navigated downward or upward based on user input supplied by a foot pedal device.

System, apparatus, and method for providing an electrical safety circuit
11006775 · 2021-05-18 · ·

An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a base assembly, a movable assembly that is movably supported by the base assembly, a structural assembly that is supported by the movable assembly, a plurality of electrical assemblies that are supported by the structural assembly, an actuating assembly configured to move the movable assembly relative to the base assembly, and a first electrical connector that is electrically connectable to the actuating assembly and the plurality of electrical assemblies. The apparatus also has a second electrical connector that is electrically connectable to a power source, and a switch assembly disposed on the second electrical connector. The first and second electrical connectors are electrically connected via one or more contact members that are movably disposed relative to the base assembly.

System, apparatus, and method for providing an electrical safety circuit
11006775 · 2021-05-18 · ·

An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a base assembly, a movable assembly that is movably supported by the base assembly, a structural assembly that is supported by the movable assembly, a plurality of electrical assemblies that are supported by the structural assembly, an actuating assembly configured to move the movable assembly relative to the base assembly, and a first electrical connector that is electrically connectable to the actuating assembly and the plurality of electrical assemblies. The apparatus also has a second electrical connector that is electrically connectable to a power source, and a switch assembly disposed on the second electrical connector. The first and second electrical connectors are electrically connected via one or more contact members that are movably disposed relative to the base assembly.

FOOT SWITCH FOR MEDICAL DEVICES
20210090828 · 2021-03-25 ·

The present application provides a foot actuation system for controlling one or more medical devices using a foot. The foot actuation system includes a communications unit and a number of actuation units. Each actuation unit includes a user interface for receiving an actuation information item generated by means of a foot, a mechanical connection apparatus for releasable mechanical connection to the communications unit, and a signal transmitter for transmitting a signal representing the actuation information item. The communications unit includes a mechanical connection apparatus for releasable mechanical connection to the actuation units, a signal receiver for receiving the signals representing the actuation information items, and a control signal transmitter for transmitting a control signal to a medical device.

FOOT SWITCH FOR MEDICAL DEVICES
20210090828 · 2021-03-25 ·

The present application provides a foot actuation system for controlling one or more medical devices using a foot. The foot actuation system includes a communications unit and a number of actuation units. Each actuation unit includes a user interface for receiving an actuation information item generated by means of a foot, a mechanical connection apparatus for releasable mechanical connection to the communications unit, and a signal transmitter for transmitting a signal representing the actuation information item. The communications unit includes a mechanical connection apparatus for releasable mechanical connection to the actuation units, a signal receiver for receiving the signals representing the actuation information items, and a control signal transmitter for transmitting a control signal to a medical device.

Foot controller with adjustable treadle
10925680 · 2021-02-23 · ·

The disclosed embodiments of the present technology relate to a foot controller with an adjustable treadle assembly including an adjustable treadle surface member slidably coupled to a fixed treadle plate and a latch assembly to adjust the adjustable treadle surface member to fixed positions relative to the treadle plate.

SURGICAL FOOTSWITCH HAVING ELEVATED AUXILARY BUTTONS
20210035747 · 2021-02-04 ·

A surgical footswitch having elevated auxiliary buttons is provided. In particular embodiments, the surgical footswitch comprises a footswitch base, a treadle mounted on the footswitch base, a first primary button positioned on an upper surface of the footswitch base along a first lateral side of the treadle, a first auxiliary button housing positioned along a lateral side of the first primary button opposite the treadle, and a first auxiliary button mounted on an upper surface of the first auxiliary button housing, wherein an upper surface of the first auxiliary button is elevated in relation to an upper surface of the first primary button. In particular embodiments, the treadle is configured to activate a first function of a surgical console, the first primary button is configured to activate a second function of the surgical console, and the first auxiliary button is configured to activate a third function of the surgical console.