COMPANY OVERVIEW
Co-founded on December 12, 2012 by Chris Cowper-Smith and Bob Garrish, was Spring Loaded Technology (SLT) a privately held Canadian corporation located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The company is comprised of a team of likeminded individuals who are trained scientist, engineers, business professionals and athletes on a mission to change the world by helping people do more of what they love every day. SLT developed the world's first bionic knee bracing technology called Levitation™ which enhances the strength and power of the leg muscles. The founders believe that by increasing leg strength, Levitation™ can be used in a wide range of applications including: mobility assistance, fatigue reduction, injury prevention…show more content…
In this essay, the author
Explains that slt has 23 employees to date and will continue to expand its team over the next few months.
Explains that spring loaded technology wants individuals to enjoy their life and live it to the fullest. the company is passionate about making bracing technology.
Opines that spring loaded technology has designed a brace for you, whether it's new heights of athletic performance or return to the lifestyle that you are accustomed to.
Explains that spring loaded thrives on the interface of research and development and believes in the power of technology to improve life by redefining the limits of human movement.
Opines that slt aims to meet the highest standards in customer care and satisfaction. as we grow, our focus is on achieving sustainable, repeatable profits in order to increase value and return on investment for the company, employees, investors and you.
Explains that 60% of all sports related injuries are the result of knee injuries. however, knee braces have been available for the past 30 years.
Explains that the knee braces manufactured by slt are constructed from ultra-thin, lightweight carbon fiber material that does not rely on mechanical springs for its power. levitationtm is discreet enough that it can be worn under clothing.
Explains that they are employed as an operations analyst within the operations department at spring loaded technology.
Explains that documenting the manufacturing process required them to work with each member of the production team and observe the current processes implemented by slt.
Explains that registering for a ce mark would allow the company to sell its knee braces throughout europe. this would assist slt in increasing sales and revenue as well as expand its market share.
Opines that they would like to continue working in an operations capacity because they realize it is one of the most important roles within any organization.
Opines that documenting most of the company's manufacturing processes was the most important step in operating a lean organization.
Aims to identify bottlenecks within the production process and develop workable solutions to minimize and eliminate them going forward.
Opines that it is easier to implement a proper lean system from the beginning rather than try to correct it after it has been implemented and utilized on the production floor.
Identifies the inefficiencies within the production process by highlighting the areas that take the most time.
Explains that the company would make changes mid-production which would result in delays and unmet internal deadlines. these changes and corresponding reasoning’s were not properly documented or centrally controlled.
Explains that multiple individuals from different departments would be simultaneously assigned the same projects, which leads to an inefficient use of personnel and a misunderstanding as it relates to individual roles.
Describes spring loaded technology, a privately held canadian corporation located in halifax, nova scotia, founded by chris cowper-smith and bob garrish.
Explains that slt's energy-restoring knee braces are similar to the rigid shell ones already on the market for the treatment of ligament injury and osteoarthritis and can be customized to fit an individual’s specific needs.
Explains that the operations department handles the acquisition, production, distribution, allocation, and delivery of the knee braces, which requires us to analyze current work flows and internal business processes.
Explains the benefits of becoming a "listed provider" for major insurance companies in north america.
Opines that success in business is guaranteed only when an organization has superior people and a predictable system of operating.
Opines that slt should continue to develop/foster a leadership culture, one that can only be achieved by suppressing individual ambitions.
VISION STATEMENT
Spring Loaded thrives on the interface of research and development and believes in the power of technology to improve life by redefining the limits of human movement. Our bionic technologies improve strength, mobility, and endurance. Levitation™ powers your knee joint and leg muscles so you can work harder, play longer, and do more than you thought possible. Levitation™ does this by storing energy as you bend your leg and gives it back to you as you straighten your leg, when you need it most. In short, Levitation™ gives you the power to do more of what you love.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
SLT aims to meet the highest standards in customer care and satisfaction. As we grow, our focus is on achieving sustainable, repeatable profits in order to increase value and return on investment for the company, our employees, our investors and you, the people that use and benefit from our uniquely designed technology. Ideally SLT would like to
• Produce 8 braces a day
ORGANIZATIONAL…show more content…
This required me to work with each member of the production team and observe the current processes implemented by SLT. This allowed me to identify areas that needed immediate attention regarding improvements. Also this exercise allowed me to create standard operating procedures manual for the company which would ensure that production process is carried out exactly the same way every single time a brace is created. Prior to conducting this exercise production knowledge regarding the manufacturing of the braces was limited to a few key individuals in the organization. This placed SLT at significant risk because if any one of these individuals decided to leave the organization either voluntary or involuntary most, if not all, of the company’s knowledge would leave with that
Today’s prosthetics are becoming more highly advanced every day with the help of computers.The company, Otto Bock Orthopedics Industry of Duderstadt, Germany, is using computer chips to help prosthetic knees become more realistic. The company recently came out with a C-leg, which contains a lithium-ion battery and a microprocessor that measures the angle of the knee and the rate at which it’s bending 50 times per second.The computer then analyzes the input to anticipate the needs of the amputee and adjusts the resistance accordingly, providing him with a more stable footing (Savage, 2001).Just as a child learns about walking through experimentation, so are researchers.By studying test subjects walking on sensor pads the...
In this essay, the author
Explains how technology has shaped health care in the past. lack of knowledge about things such as bacteria, viruses, and the benefits of proper nutrition were to blame for countless unnecessary deaths.
Explains that a 3,000-year-old egyptian mummy was recently found with the world's oldest known prosthesis, the wooden toe.
Explains how otto bock orthopedics industry is using computer chips to help prosthetic knees become more realistic.
Opines that computers allow us to experiment with bionics. researchers have been able to create a bio-engineered muscle fiber and hope to some day be unable to recreate an artificial skeleton powered by lab-grown muscles and controlled by the nervous system.
Explains how computers have improved the medical field. ct-scans and x-rays allow doctors to see inside the human body in ways that would have been unimaginable fifty years ago.
Explains that ultra-sound can detect fetal abnormalities and perform microscopic surgery on an infant before its birth allowing it a much higher chance of survival.
Explains that blood clots can be cleared using a tiny tube monitored by an even smaller digital camera attached to the end of it, and some heart surgeries can now be performed with
Explains how computers save lives, but there are other less obvious ways that many of us take for granted. the emergency room can have a patient’s medical file faxed even if they are out of town.
Explains that computers and the internet allow people to become more responsible and involved in their own health care.
Dapena, Jesus, and Alexander P. Willmott. “Scientific Services Project: (USA Track & Field),HIGH JUMP #23 (Men) Research Report.” “Diss. Indiana University, 2002.” Kirkpatrick, Larry D., and Gerald F. Wheeler. Fourth Edition Physics A World View. Fort Worth: Harcourt College Publishers, 2001.
In this essay, the author
Explains that science has helped us better understand the physical aspects of our existence through physics, which in turn helps us understand our surrounding environment.
Explains that the run up phase is a preparation for the takeoff phase, which is the most important phase of the jump.
Explains that the j curve of the approach is important to the high jump for several reasons.
Explains that the centripetal force achieved with this lean helps the jumper stay in his or her "circular path" and not continue in a straight line, which would result in knocking off the bar.
Explains that it is difficult to distinguish between the final phase of the j curve and the take off phase because they both work hand in hand.
Explains newton's third law of motion plays a big factor during the take off phase. the hamstring in the jumper’s leg experiences something that coach santos of the united states olympic team calls, "stretch reflex."
Explains that the vertical velocity of the jumper's center of mass, which is initially close to zero, will change to a large upward horizontal velocity.
Explains how a jumper brings his or her arms back and swings them in stride during the last step of the run up phase just before jumping.
Explains the importance of a knee drive during the take off phase. it helps to apply more force to the ground in conjunction with the swinging of one's arms.
Explains that the total angular momentum is achieved by the jumper during the first two phases of the high jump.
Explains how the jumper's body continues to rotate, "on a horizontal plane," as the body is continuing in the circular path.
Explains that the forward somersaulting angular momentum is a result of the high jumper planting his or her foot in front of their body during the take off phase.
Explains that the somersaulting angular momentum occurs at the same time as the body of the jumper is experiencing the lateral momentum.
Explains that the twisting somersault rotation leads to the bar clearance phase, which is the most simple of the three phases.
Explains that the bar clearance phase of the high jump involves a certain amount of kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy.
Explains that the high jump is governed by many principles of physics. by understanding the mechanics of the sport, one can acquire an appreciation for the principles that govern our earth and us as a human race.
Describes dapena, jesus, and alexander p. willmott's scientific services project: (usa track & field),high jump #23 (men) research report. kirkpatrick, larry d.
Shute, Nancy. "Spinal Implant Spurs Motion In Paralyzed Man : NPR." NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR. 20 May 2011. Web. 18 Jan. 2012. .
In this essay, the author
Narrates how heather tice's life changed forever when she was in the passenger seat of a car with her seatbelt unbuckled. she was covered in blood and unable to feel her own legs.
Explains that spinal cord injuries are a complex type of injury that is difficult to treat, but physical therapy and technology can help patients.
Explains that spinal cord injuries are traumatic injuries to the nervous tissue that runs throughout the spine. they can be incomplete or complete.
Explains that muscle and bone degeneration occurs in people who spend long periods of time in a low or null gravity environment, such as astronauts, and for much the same reason.
Explains that spinal cord injuries are incurable because central nervous tissue has a very low ability to regenerate. there are methods to treat the effects, depending on the severity of the injury.
Describes a variation of body-weight-supported treadmill training (bwstt) to treat an incomplete spinal cord injury.
Recommends training spinal cord injury patients in the use of a hand cycle, which is designed so that the user peddles with their hands rather than their feet.
Explains that although spinal cord injuries cannot be healed by the body's natural regenerative abilities, some technologies are being developed to allow patients to regain control of paralyzed areas of their body.
Explains that rob summers had to regularly preform bwstt for two years prior to the electrodes being implanted. the disadvantage of this method is that the patient only regains control of the paralyzed areas of their body.
Explains that stem cells can be transformed into a variety of different specialized cells, such as those that make up brain matter, heart tissue, and nervous tissue.
Explains that geron pharmaceuticals performed an experiment on spinal cord injury patients with complete loss of function to test the safety of the treatment on humans.
Concludes that even in the case of spinal cord injuries, physical therapy and technology can help. spinal cord damage is a problem that many people have reason to support research of.
Cites advanced stem cell treatments in china's "a brief overview of spinal cord injury."
Explains lam, tania, and lam's use of robot-applied resistance to augment body-weight--supported treadmill training in an individual with incomplete spinal cord injury.
Cites shute, nancy, "spinal implant spurs motion in paralyzed man : npr."
According to research, the experimental group performed equally the same or if not better than the control group. The experimental group proved many advantages over the control group in terms of increasing balance awareness from participants, challenges with the use of a spongy surface, unpredictable surfaces and random movements that varied in direction, amplitude and precision. This experimental trial forced many individuals to respond quickly to the dynamic movement requirements which results in better outcomes.
In this essay, the author
Explains that there were no significant differences in testing scores between the experimental and control groups, considering their dissimilarities at baseline.
Explains that each group performed further testing to determine the between-group effect on change scores. the experimental group showed higher level of improvements in the berg balance scale, loss of balance counts, and activities specific balance confidence.
Explains that the randomized trial was conducted in a geriatric hospital with the use of computerized gaming system to determine the level of improvement in patients' balance.
Explains the importance of balance and mobility, and how it can be improved by using a computer game to make therapy fun and interesting.
Explains that the experimental group performed equally the same or if not better than the control group in terms of increasing balance awareness from participants, challenges with a spongy surface, unpredictable surfaces and random movements.
The purpose of the squat is to train the muscles around the knees and hip joints, as well as to develop strength in the lower back, for execution of basic skills required in many sporting events and activities of daily living. Because a strong and stable knee is extremely important to an athlete or patient’s success, an understanding of knee biomechanics while performing the squat is helpful to therapists, trainers, and athletes alike (11). Because most activities of daily living require the coordinated contraction of several muscle groups at once, and squatting (a multi-joint movement) is one of the few strength training exercises that is able to effectively recruit multiple muscle groups in a single movement, squats are considered one of the most functional and efficient weight-bearing exercises whether an individual’s goals are sport specific or are for an increased quality of life
In this essay, the author
Explains that the squat is a natural movement humans have done since they existed.
Explains that the squat is one of the most commonly used exercises in the field of strength and conditioning. it has biomechanical and neuromuscular similarities to a wide range of athletic movements.
Explains that the moment arms around the hip and knee measure from the joint axis to the line of force.
Explains that this squat will be lost from the core, resulting in lumbar rounding.
Explains that squats are the king of all exercises because they are "functional" exercises that affect your ability to live a full, healthy life.
Explains the purpose of the squat: to train the muscles around the knees and hip joints, as well as to develop strength in the lower back.
Explains that the trunk, knee and hip stabilizers will be worked significantly, especially as more load is added. the squat will most likely be lost from the core, resulting in the lumbar spine rounding and the bar dropping forward.
Explains that the squat variation involves the hip extensors more than the knee and enables heavier loads to be lifted. the posture wouldn't be encouraged except for performance in competition.
Explains that proper technique ensures that the quadriceps, bicep femoris, gluteal, and erector spine receive overload stress appropriate for development of muscular strength and hypertrophy.
He was able to walk with the help of a support but once the electrode implants were implemented and the simulation was started his movement control was drastically improved. However it’s the latest technical innovation in the field of reverse paralysis that has again brought Courtine into
In this essay, the author
Opines that it's hard to imagine someone suffering from paralysis or going through that phase of life because of physical disabilities and psychological stress.
Explains that paralysis is a condition where there is loss or impairment of voluntary muscular movement in our body because of disturbances in the neuromuscular functions.
Explains that brain tumors, stroke, brain hemorrhage, injury to spinal cord or neck are some of the major causes of paralysis.
Explains that courtine has been working continuously on reversing paralysis. he placed electrodes just below the injured part of the spinal cord of a paralyzed rat.
Explains how courtine's technology, called the brain-spinal interface, was implemented on a man who was partially paralyzed due to an injury to his spinal cord.
Describes how the team helped a partially paralyzed monkey walk again by implanting wireless chips in his brain.
Explains that the brain reading chip was placed to read the signals from the motor cortex. the external computer is a signal decoder, and the pulse generator simulator has wireless triggering capabilities.
Opines that a brighter future for mankind free of disability is largely dependent on the success of this technology.
...ude neuro and orthopedic rehabilitation, exercises to improve functional levels of safety, gait training and strengthening, and transfer training, sit-to-stand exercises, stairs, and over-ground walking (2014).” Based on the patient’s level of ability the Bionic Leg contributes a great amount of motor assistance to the injured extremity. The Alter G Bionic Leg will change the lives of many injured patients.
In this essay, the author
Explains that ultrasound therapy is a sound wave machine that produces heat to the body. there are four ways an ultrasound can be delivered, but only two are seen practiced at clinics.
Explains that robotics is another form of technology being introduced into physical therapy. the alter g bionic leg allows advance level exercises with more repetitions through mobility training.
Opines that technology will always play a part in our everyday lives. computers make it easier to find information and keep up with records.
Explains how technology is being used in physical therapy using computers, whirlpools, and ultrasound therapy.
Huang C, Hsieh T, Lu S, Su F. (2011). Effect of Kinesio tape to muscle activity and vertical jump performance in healthy inactive people. Biomed Eng Online 10; 70.
In this essay, the author
Explains that dr. kenso kase created kinesiology tape (kt-tape) in 1973 to reduce physiology effects such as pain, joint misalignment, and to further support the range of motion in muscles.
Compares kt-tape's popularity with compression bandages, as it can be worn for up to four days before reapplication is needed. athletic trainers and physical therapists use compression bands to keep the injured joint from swelling.
States bentz tozer's claim that kinesiology tape functions to support muscles by limiting joint misalignment and reducing pain. muscle fatigue is caused by activities and exercise that tire out the muscle and decrease its ability to produce force.
Explains that jin tae han and jung-hoon lee (2014) reported the effects of kt-tape on knee joint repositioning once the quadriceps muscle becomes fatigued.
Explains that kinesiology tape causes improved contractions by being elastic, but tensile around the muscles.
Explains that sports injuries are caused by the body's inability to properly signal the muscles to contract once fatigue sets in, causing joint misalignments.
Explains that kinesiology tape reduces muscle fatigue by stimulating cutaneous mechanoreceptors, which increase joint alignment. halseth et al. (2004) showed little difference in ankle proprioception.
Explains that kinesiology tape reduces the overall pain of a patient by fixing muscle fatigue and joint misalignment.
Explains how taping is used to reduce pain in the patellofemoral joint by decreasing the amount of stress put on the joint.
Concludes that the layman's claim that kinesiology tape functions to support muscles is justifiable. however, it has only been around since 1973 and its effectiveness is still being tested.
Evaluates the effectiveness of a mixed kinesio taping-compression technique in postmenopausal women with chronic venous insufficiency.
Explains halseth t, mcchesney j, debeliso m, vaughn r, lien j. (2004). the effects of kinesio taping on proprioception at the ankle.
Summarizes kase k, wallis j, and okane t's clinical therapeutic applications of the kinesio taping methods.
Introduces oatis c.'s kinesiology: the mechanics & pathomechanics of human movement.
Describes the results of a randomized single-blind controlled pilot study on breast cancer-related lymphedema.
Going against the tradition, HyperFitness is powered by an underfoot-lacing system whereby it proposes a groundbreaking solution for those who are feeling annoyed with shoe lacing. In another words, this invention will definitely be a good news for those who are frequently with an untied shoelaces. At the meantime, HyperFitness does facilitate the problem for those who might face difficulty in tying their shoes, especially for children or elderly or even disabled.
In this essay, the author
Explains that hyperfitness is powered by an underfoot-lacing system and proposes a groundbreaking solution for those who are feeling annoyed with shoe lacing.
Explains kizuna's self-lacing sneakers will be launched in march, inspired by the shoes worn by michael j. fox in back to the future ii.
In order to develop this prosthesis they had to go through two main phases, the analysis of a jogger wearing a standard walking prosthesis and computer simulation of the flexing of the knee on this walking prosthesis. They had to measure rotation, weight bearing, moments, and t...
In this essay, the author
Explains that biomechanics is the study of the structure and function of biological systems using mechanics. it develops artificial limbs and footwear specifically to aid the body in performance.
Explains the use of biomechanics in the development of prosthetic limbs used for the handicapped.
Explains that in order to develop the prosthesis, they had to go through two phases: analysis of a jogger and computer simulation of knee flexing. they used mathematical equations to spring force and stiffness.
Explains that biomechanics is used in the study of sports actions, such as the motion of throwing a baseball.
Explains the use of biomechanics in the subject of crash simulation, human stress testing, and collision testing.
Explains that biomechanics is a well-developed area in science and engineering where studies are performed. many universities have an advancements in technology so that we may understand and operate our human bodies.