Beginning at NYU in Jan 2013 within the context of a Patents Translation course delivered online, this blog seeks to uncover the patents that rock our daily lives....
The future of bubble wrap and airbags might be linked to MIT's AeroMorph invention. An invention that
subsumes programmable paper, plastic, and self-folding,origami-inspired, fabrics, that inflate. The video below shows the AeroMorph invention in action.
The AeroMorph invention is
recited in the US patent US9777753B2, titled Methods and apparatus for shape control. A patent that recites how
to control the shape of an inflatable object. Succinctly, an inflatable bladder comprises
regions that are variably flexible. The bladder further bends in the regions
that are more flexible. Depending on the
embodiment of the invention, paper, fabric or plastic, the more flexible
areas have creases, notches or indentations, allowing for varied shapes to form,
including spirals, helices; or shapes that morph during inflation.
The
Abstract of this invention is provided below, together with the patent Figures
11A-D, showing how depending on the angle of the same number of creases on the shape controller,different shapes are
obtained, in particular a planar spiral vs. a helix. Thus, in Fig. 11A, the creases (e.g., 1103, 1105) are
perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis 1107 of the shape controller 1100,
resulting in the bladder of Fig. 11B to form a planar spiral, when it is
inflated. In contrast, in Fig. 11C, the creases(e .g., 1153, 1156) are at an angle different from 90 degrees,
relative to the longitudinal axis of 1157, of the shape controller 1150,
resulting in the bladder to form a helix 1161, as shown in Fig. 11D, when the
bladder is inflated. In certain embodiments, Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) (e.g.
1108, 1109, 1158, 1159) might be included, which might be bonded together with the wires and paper.
In exemplary implementations of this invention, a shape controller controls the shape of a bladder as the bladder inflates. The shape controller includes a first set of regions and a second set of regions. The second set of regions is more flexible than the first set of regions. The shape controller is embedded within, or adjacent to, a wall of the bladder. When the bladder is inflated, the overall shape of the bladder bends in areas adjacent to the more flexible regions of the shape controller. For example, the shape controller may comprise paper and the more flexible regions may comprise creases in the paper. Or, for example, the more flexible regions may comprise notches or indentations. In some implementations of this invention, a multi-state shape display changes shape as it inflates, with additional bumps forming as pressure in the display increases. [Abstract US9777753B2]
Foldaway, a spinoff company from the Reconfigurable Robotics Laboratory (RRL) of the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne, in Switzerland (EPFL- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), brings origami-inspired research to haptic interfaces, on thumbsticks in particular. For example, with Foldaway technology, Virtual Reality (VR) users are provided with an added sense of touch of the resilience of a rubber ball (RRL-EPFL 1; RRL-EPFL 2). The video below shows this sensory experience added to a thumbstick, using an origami-inspired pop-up haptic interface.
At the Computer Electronics Show (CES) of Las Vegas, in 2019, Foldaway demonstrated their origami-inspired technology on a VR Game called LamaSlam, where the VR payers obtain an added sense of touch, for example, for how slippery or heavy, the various creature characters of the game feel, when users try to pick them up (Lang, 2019). An invention, that paves the way to a more tactile shopping experience. Imagine, for example, being able to determine how light a pair of shoes, or how resilient their soles. Likewise, how soft or light the cashmere, you are contemplating to purchase.
The Foldaway, foldable, origami-inspired, pop-up actuator invention is recited in the mechanical engineering patent application US20180038461A1, titled Planar Pop-Up Actuator Device with Embedded Electro-Magnetic Actuation. The exploded patent Figure 1 drawing, showing the various layers of the pop-up actuator is included below, together with a video, showing the versatility of the popup foldable actuator, including the thumbstick application.
The abstract of this invention is also include below:
A planar actuator device, including a base plate including a first, second, and third pair of planar coils, each pair of planar coils having an inner coil and an outer coil, each pair of planar coils arranged along a first, second, and third linear motion axis, respectively, the first, second, and third linear motion axis arranged in a star configuration, and an actuation mechanism including a first, second, and third planar legs and a centerpiece, the first, second and third planar legs pivotably connected to the centerpiece, the planar legs including a first, second, and third sliding element and a first, second, and third middle section, respectively, a sliding element and middle section of a respective leg pivotably connected to each other, each sliding element including a permanent magnet. [AbstactUS20180038461A1]
According
to Jamie Paik, Director of the Reconfigurable Robotics Laboratory (RRL) at the
Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne (EPFL- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), in Switzerland, origami robots, also termed robogamis, are part of a paradigm shift
in robotic design. Indeed, they are so different and new that they form a framework for robotic design. A
framework that extends, for example, to soft robotics, haptics and modular design (EPFL1, EPFL 2, EPFL3). In contrast to traditional, anthropomorphic
robots with a single memetic form, robogamismorph. They transform from one
form to another, considering that in the terms of mathematics, any 3D shape can be obtained from
folding a 2D surface.
The video below shows the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL) origami robot, and how this little robot is programmed to morph (CSAIL 1, CSAIL 2). According to Daniela Rus, Director of MIT CSAIL, and of the origami robot project, manufacturing the origami robot is also an innovation, as the MIT origami robots are printed flat (CSAIL 3). A manufacturing process that is fast, inexpensive and convenient. Succinctly, the MIT CSAIL origami robot has a body comprising three layers. The middle layer is heat-reactive, causing the material to shrink (and bend) under the effect of heat. A process that is controlled, for angle degree, via gaps cut-out in the two outer structural layers. Thus, once printed, the robot actually self-folds using a self-folding compiler.
In particular, for example, the MIT CSAIL origami robot was further researched and bench-tested as an ingestible device (Hardesty, 2016). In this simulated application, the MIT CSAILorigamirobotis first ingested in a medium that dissolves (e.g., ice). TheMIT CSAILorigamirobot, once
released, then unfolds like an accordion inside a simulated stomach medium, where it is guided
via a programmable magnetic field to find small ingested objects such as a button
battery. The MIT CSAILorigamirobotthen attaches to the object
via a magnet, dislodging the battery from where it is embedded in the simulated lining
of the stomach or esophagus. Thus, the origami robot would fulfill its mission to prevent risks of serious organ ulceration, resulting from ingested button batteries that are stuck.
The MIT CSAILorigamirobotthen might disintegrate, or
fracture, under the effect of gastric fluids, so that it can also be expelled through the GI tract. In future versions, the MIT CSAILorigamirobotmight search and retrieve small ingested objects autonomously using algorithm-driven sensors and cameras,
or it might perform different endoscopic interventions, such as delivering medicine or
patching wounds, using its own origami structure.
The MIT CSAIL, ingestible, endoscopic, origami robot invention is recited in the US patent application US20200038061A
titled Origami robots, systems, and method of treatment. The abstract of the
invention is included below, together with the Figure 1 drawing of the patent application. The Figure 1 drawing depicts a magnified view of the origami robot deployed inside the
stomach of a patient. The origami robot invention is intended to resolve issues of the
prior art of endoscopic devices, as it is a non-invasive procedure, invoking no surgery that relies on a tethered endoscope. Likewise, the origami robot is intended to resolve issues of the prior art of
pill-cam endoscopes, devices that are unguided, once ingested.
Specifically,
the Figure 1 drawing depicts a
patient 130, and an origami robot 103 that is encapsulated by biocompatible
material 101, in the shape of a
capsule or pill 100. The biocompatible
material 101 is meltable or
degradable, once ingested into the patient’s GI tract 132. The origami robot 103
comprises a foldable body portion 102,
comprising actuation means for unfolding. The foldable body portion 102 initially appears
folded 110,inside the stomach, once
the encapsulation has disintegrated/melted. Then, the body portion 102, is also depicted unfolded 120. A magnet 104, designed to retrieve a lodged button battery, is also depicted in this embodiment of the origami robot 103. Finally, an area 104 is also shown. The area 104 corresponds to a wound site that the endoscopic origami robot is designed to treat.
Origami robots, and associated systems, methods of treatment, and methods of manufacture are provided. A system includes an origami robot encapsulated for ingestion by a patient, such as in a biocompatible material that is dissolvable or meltable within the gastrointestinal tract. A method of treatment includes delivering an origami robot in a folded position into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, causing the origami robot to unfold within the gastrointestinal tract, and directing the origami robot to a site requiring treatment in the gastrointestinal tract.
Feeling
bloated? Difficulty performing the Halasana,
Karnapisana and Salamba Sarvamgasana yoga poses (i.e., plow, ear-to-knee and supported
shoulder stand sequence of poses)? If
it’s more than temporary, your doctor might one day take a peek inside your GI
tract, using EndiaTX’s endoscopic Pillbot™. One tiny endoscopic bot, one
giant step for patients, since the procedure is designed to take place remotely,
from the comfort of home. In other words,
the patient swallows the Pillbot™, linked remotely via magnetic field, enabling a
doctor (or specialized technician) to take over to guide the little robot’s
explorations through the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum and larger colon,
not only taking pictures, but eventually marking territory, delivering medication, perhaps taking biopsies and removing polyps, becoming a Pillbot™ surgeon. Indeed, Tx in EndiaTx's pill designation is definitely intended to mean Treatment vs. Rx for Prescriptions.
One miniature multivitamin-sized Pillbot™, one giant step also for endoscopic research, since the previous generation of non-propelled endoscopic pills took forever to make their way, naturally-unaided, through the GI track. A lengthy journey, during which the pill-cam would take thousands of non-targeted pictures that would then have to be retrieved and processed for diagnostic purposes. A process, following which traditional endoscopic procedures might then potentially be scheduled to perform various follow-up interventions. In contrast, the EndiaTxPillbot™ is powered with 4 pump-jet propellers, enabling it not only to move faster, but also to have forward and backward thrust, as well as pitch, roll and yaw. It is also remotely connected, which enables medical professionals; and/or operators to target their interventions within the body. Interventions, which are planned to include any one of the traditional endoscopic procedures. Thus, the EndiaTX Pillbot™ is a huge improvement, in more ways than one, on the previous state of the endoscopic pill-cam art.
The EndiaTX
endoscopic Pillbot™ invention was pitched at the South by South West (SXSW) 2021Conference and Exhibit Pitch Awards, held
this year exclusively online, for the
first time in the thirty-four year history of the multi-venue, technology, music, comedy, and film event, on March 16-20th 2021. A
combination, Conference, Exhibit and Festival event, where EndiaTx was selected
as finalist, in the Health, Wearables and Wellbeing category, one of eight
award categories, of the technology awards.
Various embodiments of the EndiatX Pillbot™ invention are recited in the US patent application US20200405132A, titled Ingestible device with manipulation capabilities. The abstract of this invention is included below, together with the patent drawings, Figures 6C and 13 of the Pillbot™, respectively showing a rear propulsion view, and endoscopic intervention tools mounted on the payload section of the ingestible Pillbot™, opposite the propulsion end. A corresponding image of the trademarked Pillbot™ is also included above.
Specifically,
Figure 6C depicts 4 rotors 604a-d, propulsing the ingestible Pillbot™. The rotors
are arranged radially in
pairs, opposite each other, in a cross configuration, relative to the central
axis of the Pillbot™. The two sets of rotors 604a-b and 604c-d, each driven by a separate motor or a single motor converting power to each pair, might be
configured to rotate respectively clockwise and counterclockwise. Thus, the position
and orientation of the Pillbot™ might be controlled in ways similar to a
quadcopter, adjusting pitch and roll by applying more thrust to one or two
adjacent rotors and less thrust to a diametrically opposing rotor. Likewise,
hovering is possible when equal thrust is applied to all four rotors, while yaw
is adjusted by applying more thrust to rotors rotating in the same direction [0082-0088].
Figure 13, depicts some of the endoscopic tools
used to manipulate structures in a living body, in other words, structures forming
the environment surrounding the ingested Pillbot™. Specifically, Figure 13 shows
a perspective view of the ingestible device 1300, with a plurality of endoscopic
intervention tools 1304a-d at the proximal end of a payload capsule 1302. The
endoscopic intervention tools may complement each other. They may be used for
grasping, cutting, cauterizing, sampling and more. In particular the ingestible
device 1300 includes: a biopsy mechanism 1304a, a delivery mechanism 1304d, and
a pair of grasping mechanism 1304b and c. The biopsy mechanism 1304a is designed to obtain samples from the living
body, in view of detecting presence, cause, or extent of a disease. The delivery
mechanism 1304d is designed to store materials, such as medication, cauterization agents, radiation enhancement agents, and inks. The grasping mechanism 1304b and c, respectively includes a
manipulator arm 1304b and a polypectomy tool 1304c. The ingestible device 1300
also depicts a camera 1306, designed to take images before, during, and after
interventions. The intervention tools might be arranged radially in an even or
uneven manner around the camera 1306 [0121-0125]. Together, these intervention tools
transform the endoscopic pill into a treatment Pillbot™ surgeon. The first in-human trial was launched on June 27 2020 (Staff, The Founder Institute)
Introduced here is an ingestible device that can comprise a capsule, an intervention tool, and a processor configured to controllably employ the intervention tool to manipulate structures in a living body. The ingestible device may further comprise a camera that is configured to generate images of various in vivo environments as the ingestible device traverses the living body. These images may be wirelessly transmitted to an electronic device located outside of the living body to enable greater control over the intervention tool. [Abstract US20200405132A]
Usually, patents and art invoke two very
different creative processes. Patents disclose inventions, which are required to
be both useful and to fulfill certain conditions of patentability [35 USC 101], such as
novelty [35 USC 102], and non-obviousness to those skilled in the art [35 USC 103]. All of which conditions and definitions are specified in the separate branch of Patent Law,
set forth in the US Federal Code Title 35 (USC 35) and in the US Code of Federal Regulations Title 37 (CFR 37). Prior to being patented, inventions are
also filed and subjected to a lengthy examination process at a government patent-granting
agency, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in the
United States, the European Patent Office (EPO), in Europe, regrouping countries party to the European Patent Convention, or other national
Patent Offices, such as the Japanese Patent Office (JPO), or the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CIPA).
Once granted, a patent then confers to the inventor(s), heirs or
assignees, the right to exclude
others from making, using, offering for sale, or importing the invention, without
prior licensing, or agreement with the inventors, heirs or assignees. Such
patent rights are also granted for a certain period of time, usually 20 years
for a US utility patent [35 USC 154], and 15 years for a US design patent [35 USC 173], contingent upon the payment of yearly maintenance
fees, per the provisions of the US Federal Code Title 35, Article 41 [35 US 41].
Art, by contrast, is unregulated, unbound to the provisions of the Law, or the conferral of rights, and without utilitarian
requirements, to name just a fraction of the more obvious differences. In rare
instances, however, such irreconcilable differences in the creative process of
art and patented invention come together, in an interesting reciprocal dynamic.
Indeed, this is precisely what drives Daniel Rozin’s mechanical mirrors.
Rizon, an Israeli-American artist and NYU professor,
whose art installations each depict different sorts of mirrors, (i.e.; surfaces
where people are reflected), relies on patented inventions to make the
installations work [Rozin, NYU]. Thus, Rizon is both artist and inventor, drawing on a
combination of sensors, motors, custom software, video camera and computers to create
his interactive digital art, each installation functioning as a mechanical
mirror. All of the pieces are explorations at the intersection of viewer
participation and image creation, powered by patented mechanical engineering, informing art.
No one could otherwise conceive of wood pieces (whether round or square) or
fluffy toys, functioning as mirror surfaces, capable of reflecting viewers,
much less make all of the pieces of the installation actually work together as a
mirror.
The following video showcases some of Rozin’s captivating mechanical
mirror installations. In particular, the Penguins Mirror, the Wood Mirror, the
Troll Mirror, the Pompom Mirror, the Peg Mirror, and the Fur Mirrors, are shown.
The following US patents, awarded to Rozin, and most recent patent application, are members of patent families that include World Intellectual Property Organization
(WIPO), Canadian (CA) and Australian (AU) patents. Patents that each recite inventions, supporting the display of Rozin’s art installations, depicting
mechanical mirrors.
US6552734B1 - System and
method for generating a composite image based on at least two input images.
US6553138B2 - Method and apparatus for generating three-dimensional
representations of objects.
US6891561B1 - Providing visual context for a mobile
active visual display of a panoramic region.
US20020031252A1-Method and apparatus
for generating three-dimensional representations of objects.
Pi Day is the annual celebration of the mathematical constant designated by the sixteenth letter of the Greek alphabet: π (pi). The constant corresponds to the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, which means that no matter how small or how big a circle, the ratio of the circumference to the diameter is always equal to the number pi. The number pi also has the particularity of being an irrational number, which means that its decimal form does not end or repeat. For example, modern computers have calculated pi to at least a trillion digits. Thus, pi is usually rounded out to 3.14, which explains the selection of a celebration date on March 14.
Pi enables the computation of such useful measurements as the area of a circle (π x radius2) and the circumference of a circle (pi x diameter), considering that the diameter= 2 x radius. Thus, the algebraic formula of the number pi has countless applications in such domains as building and construction, quantum physics, communications, space flights, air travel, medical practice, plus more.
Specifically, for example, the number pi is routinely used at NASA to track the orbits of satellites and spacecraft, or to learn about moons, planets, stars, and other spherical bodies in space. Still more specifically, for example, NASA carried out a maneuver called pi transfer, using the gravity of Saturn’s largest moon, called Titan, to alter the trajectory of the Cassini space probe, so that the spacecraft could capture different perspectives of Saturn’s rings, during its 13 years in orbit (NASA).
How was the number π discovered? The work of many different mathematicians
appears credited for adding precision in the calculation of pi, or for increasing applications of the number pi. However, the discovery of the number pi
is traced as far back as the third century BC to the theoretical work of the great mathematician Archimedes of
Syracuse [287-212 BC], in a manuscript
titled Measurement of a circle. Archimedes
approached the calculation of pi with two geometrical figures: a circle and right angle triangle with a base equal to the circumference C, and one side equal to the radius of the circle. He then proceeded by inscribing and circumscribing polygons with
an increasing number of sides, within the circle, knowing that the polygon
would always be a little smaller than the circumscribing circle, regardless of
the number of sides. He estimated pi to be a little less than 31/7th (Encyclopedia Britannica).
The work of the Indian mathematician and astronomer Mādhava of Sangamagrāma [c. 1340 – c. 1425] of the 15th century, followed by that of William Jones [1675-1749], a Welsh mathematician of the 17th century, further refined the Archimedes estimations and the scope of pi's applications.
Finally, on an entirely different note, this is a great day for pizza
and pie discounts. Hungry? Click here or here for pizza, pie, plus more discounts. As for Martel's Life of Pi (novel) and Ang Lee's feature film Life of Pi, that is another story altogether.
References
Archimedes [287-212 BC] Sphere and cylinder and Measurement of the circle, in T. L. Heath's translation of Archimedes' works. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press (Published in 1897)
Beckman, P. (1970) A history of Pi. New York, NY: St Martin’s Press.
Despite significant
advances in gender equality, considering increases in the number of elected women, or
women appointed to decision-making positions, figures from the UN Secretary General’s Report, prepared for the upcoming Sixty-Fifth Session of the Commission on the Status of
Women, still indicate large disparities in the representation of women in public life, and their participation in
decision-making. Not to mention the pace of change, which is criticized as far too slow. For example, women are
Heads of State in just 21 countries and represent only 24.9% of all parliamentarians
worldwide. Just a handful of countries, fourteen to be precise, have achieved gender
parity at the cabinet level, at a rate of .52% per year from 2010 to 2020. Thus, assuming such a rate remains constant, gender parity might not be achieved until 2077, in other words 30 years from now. Likewise, just four countries have achieved gender
parity at the parliamentary level, although 25 countries have 40% or more women
parliamentarians.
As a result of these trends, even if gender equality has progressed, with women taking
on an increased role in public life, most decisions concerning women are still
being taken by men. The reasons for the absence of gender parity, put
forward in the Secretary General's Report, include the absence of political will
to change power relations, together with the persistent obstacles of
inequalities, conflict, violence against women, the effects of climate change
and of the COVID19 pandemic. Tenacious obstacles, which each tend to reinforce discrimination against
women, when they do not take back small gains that have been achieved.
Further
breakdown of the data shows large regional disparities. In particular, the data shows that Latin America, the
Caribbean, North America and Europe have achieved much higher gender parity than the rest of the world, especially compared to Oceania
(excluding Australia and New Zealand), where only 6% of parliament seats are
held by women. Taking the COVID19
pandemic as a case in point, the Secretary General's Report further highlights the fact that, while 70% of workers
in the healthcare sector are female, an analysis of COVID19 decision-making
task forces in 87 countries revealed only 3.5% had gender parity. A
particularly troubling finding, since past history of decision-making shows
that, when women are excluded from the process, the outcomes of decision-making are usually harmful, or ineffective, for women, particularly those who are at the center of multiple intersecting
discrimination, such as women who are
poor, have disabilities, belong to ethnic or racial minorities, and/or are
migrants.
Solutions
put forward in the Secretary General’s Report emphasize: adoption of, and
compliance with gender quotas set forth in legislation; increased activism of
women in civil society to promote gender parity legislation, to abolish discriminatory
practices, and to uphold women’s rights as human rights in all spheres of activity; as well as direct funding of women’s organizations, which remain significantly
under-invested.
UN Secretary General’s Report on Women’s
full and effective participation and decision-making in public life, as well as
the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality and the empowerment
of all women and girls. https://undocs.org/E/CN.6/2021/3
