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Biotech / Medical : Dean Kamen and Ginger ???
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To: Level Head who wrote (106)1/14/2001 11:27:34 PM
From: Dee Jay  Read Replies (1) of 377
 
"In this case, the balance does not require a gyro at all. Note the shape of the "foot". It has a
considerable lateral extension (kind of an exaggerated "thumb") so that it is projecting across to the
center of gravity. Mechanical balance, nothing more."

And when the foot is elevating and is non-weight bearing, putting all the weight on the other foot, that lateral extension will be constructed of a material that is both relatively thin and can support the weight of the assemblies and power source(s) and the hydraulics and the person being carried? It seems to me that the closer to the center of gravity the higher the stress on the "foot"'s material in that thumb area that you refer to.

Maybe - you're more technically proficient than I but I again question the durability and therefore the insurability of the product that puts so much faith in that assembly.

Now the picture of the iBot in the USA Today story cited earlier makes some sense although the same insurability concerns arise if there is a power loss to the stabilizing system; I'm sure they have provided for a safe letdown of the user though on a stairway that is going to be very tricky to anticipate the various possibilities. Still I'm sure it can be done. Under $25K is an open question; because the market's elasticity is open to question viability is a big question. Most payment sources are Medicaid and Medicare for the highly disabled, both of which are very limiting in coverage. Most insurors follow their lead unless it's an industrial or work-related accident where Comp will foot the bill if rehabilitation may provide for employability. These are practical considerations but in the managed care world who pays the bill is a big issue, as is the amount they will pay.

Dee Jay
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