Consulting System
| Animated Prosthetics Offers
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Animated Prosthetics, Inc., Greensboro, North Carolina, announces its latest development in its ACS/PCU system. To briefly explain the system: The ACS (Animation Control System) mounted inside the prosthetic arm monitors and controls all functions related to the operation of the hand and wrist. The PCU (Prosthesis Configuration Unit) uses its freestanding, compact five-inch video screen to display readings from the ACS. Prosthetists can view real-time readings while the patient is wearing the prosthesis and can make appropriate adjustments and view immediate feedback to check the success of those adjustments. Since information is transferred between the ACS and the PCU by radio waves, the patient isn't restricted by the usual wire "umbilical cord". The newest development - just introduced in December 1999 improves its performance, enhances its range, and offers added confidence/competence to patients and prosthetists alike, according to Michael Tompkins, President: The system now allows interaction via the Internet (or a modem/ phone line). Practitioners can arrange an Internet consultation with Tompkins or another "animation specialist" regarding an unusual or problematic case. On his remote PCU, Tompkins will be able to view the same readings the patient's ACS is simultaneously sending to the prosthetist's PCU screen. As a result, as he confers with the prosthetist, Tompkins can point out meaningful indicators, suggest adjustments, or make them himself and observe the immediate results of those adjustments. The Internet conference capabilities of his system are still evolving, Tompkins says, adding. "It's still so new, and the possibilities are so extensive, it's going to take time to develop them all."
0 & P Business News Page 31 |
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Reprinted with permission |