Artificial Intelligence

        This laboratory is used to develop novel solutions to problems in decision-making utilizing fundamental domain knowledge, a systems modeling approach, and appropriate artificial intelligence techniques.  Primary applications are ECG interpretation and cognitive orthotics.  It is equipped with hardware and software appropriate for neural network modeling and expert system development.
 

Biomedical Microsensor and Device

        This laboratory is used to design, develop, and fabricate microdevices and sensors for biomedical applications.  These devices include microacoustical lenses, microprotein-separation devices, and high resolution imaging devices.  This laboratory is equipped with a high frequency pulsed ultrasonic Doppler unit, a Schlieren acoustical visualization system, oscilloscopes, microscopes, high resolution  video monitor, super VHS video cassette recorder, low and high powered lasers, a voltage generator, a frequency generator and two design and analysis personal computers.
 

Cardiovascular Fluid Mechanics

        This laboratory is designed to measure fluid velocity and shear stress in models of arterial geometries for comparison with in vivo arterial changes.  It also includes equipment necessary to evaluate specialized instruments for in vivo measurements.  Equipment includes two Laser Doppler Anemometry setups, flow meters, a vibration table, pumps, pulsatile valves, flow visualization equipment, a high frequency pulsed ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry unit, and data acquisition computers.

Cellular Microsensor Fabrication

        This laboratory is used to build oxygen and pH microelectrodes (microsensors) which are small enough to be placed into single cells.  Key equipment includes a Campden 763 computer controlled horizontal electrode puller, Olympus CK2 inverted stereo microscope, Olympus CH2 Stereo microscope, Leitz SM-LUX stereo microscope, WPI electrode beveler, Keithly 417 picoammeter, Keithly 197 autoranging multimeter and electroplating power supply.

Human Factors and Human Performance Laboratory

        The Human Factors and Human Performance Laboratory measures the capability of individuals with a disability as well as older adults to interact with computers and other equipment. The laboratory is engaged in a variety of projects that not only investigate how an individual with a severe disability uses specially-designed interfaces to operate a computer, but also lead to the development of improved methods of interaction. Our faculty and students work with the clinical staff members of the Center for Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitation Science (CyBERS) to identify and research problems with existing commercial technology recommended for clients in our clinical programs. Dr. Stan Cronk.

Microsensor Testing/System Physiology

        The multipurpose laboratory is used to prepare animals for organ isolation, perform whole animal experiments and test microsensors.  The laboratory has the capacity to have two experimental/test areas and is presently used to test oxygen microelectrodes.  Equipped with a Keithly 619 electrometer, Tektronix 76313 storage oscilloscope, linear strip recorder, PC with A-to-D card, digital balance, pH meter, water bath, hot plate, and refrigerator.

Neuro-Rehabilitation Laboratory

        The scope of the research in this lab is at rehabilitation of neural dysfunction. Main areas of interest are stroke, seizure, and spinal cord injury. Engineering principles of computer modeling, instrumentation, and signal processing are applied to develop medical devices for diagnosing and therapeutic intervention. Cardiac disease is also researched. Dr. Walter Besio.

Oxygen Transport

        This laboratory is used to measure oxygen levels and microsensor position in isolated organs or parts of organs.  It is presently set up to perform computer controlled oxygen electrode penetrations in suffused and temperature controlled brain slices.  A sturdy and heavy table keeps vibrations to a minimum.  A Keithly 428 high speed picoammeter and Burleigh 6000 piezoelectric ìInchwormî, both interfaced to a PC, allow penetration of tissue with a minimum of dimpling.  Two three-axis micromanipulators are available.

Tissue Engineering and Cell Culture

        The laboratory has been established to determine the effects of  hemodynamic phenomena on the behavior of blood components and vascular cells, as related to vascular disease and adaptation.  Major equipment includes a Laminar fume hood centrifuge, refrigerator,  imaging microscope and de-ionized water generator.