OBJECTIVE The Development of a Novel Mixed Reality (MR) Simulation. An evolving training environment emphasizes the importance of simulation. Current haptic temporal bone simulators have difficulty representing realistic contact forces and while 3D printed models convincingly represent vibrational properties of bone, they cannot reproduce soft tissue. This paper introduces a mixed reality model...

This letter introduces a localized microwave technique for direct excitation of solid materials for the sake of their identification by atomic emission spectroscopy. The microwave energy is concentrated on the material surface by a microwave-drill type applicator. The evolved 1-mm hotspot is slightly evaporated and excited as plasma. An optical spectrometer measures the atomic emission spectrum...

We present the first, complete 230 GHz feedhorn array manufactured by direct drilling of smooth–walled horns into a single plate of aluminium. The horn design process, based on a genetic algorithm, is described and the fabrication process, via direct drilling using shaped drill bits, is presented. We present cross coupling and beam pattern measurements of a close–packed pair of the smooth–walle...

Due to ultraviolet flux in the surface layers of most solar bodies, future astrobiological research is increasingly seeking to conduct subsurface penetration, drilling and sampling to detect chemical signature for extant or extinct life. To address this issue, we present a micro-penetrator concept (mass < 10 kg) that is suited for extraterrestrial planetary deployment and in situ investigation ...

BACKGROUND Atlantoaxial posterior pedicle screw fixation has been widely used for treatment of atlantoaxial instability (AAI). However, precise and safe insertion of atlantoaxial pedicle screws remains challenging. This study presents a modified drill guide template based on a previous template for atlantoaxial pedicle screw placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS Our study included 54 patients (34 mal...

Heat, generated during the drilling of a dental implant site preparation, leads to a temperature rise and consequently to a thermal injury of the bone tissue surrounding the implant site, which can cause the subsequent implant failure. In this article, we present new findings related to the temperature rise during implant site drilling under real conditions on a bovine rib bone specimen. The ex...

Future NASA exploration missions to Mars, Europa, Titan, comets, and asteroids will perform sampling, in-situ analysis and possibly the return of material to Earth for further tests. One of the major limitations of sampling in low gravity environments is that conventional drills need high axial force. An ultrasonic/sonic driller/corer (USDC) mechanism was developed to address these and other li...

The concept of a hand guided robotic drill has been inspired by an automated, arm supported robotic drill recently applied in clinical practice to produce cochleostomies without penetrating the endosteum ready for inserting cochlear electrodes. The smart tactile sensing scheme within the drill enables precise control of the state of interaction between tissues and tools in real-time. This paper...