UB Success Cases

Here we list examples of UB Success Cases including: research collaborations with the private sector; UB research that has been licensed to the private sector; and products introduced into the market with assistance from UB's Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology Transfer.

Do you know of other UB Success Cases? Great! We would love to hear about them. Please contact our Project Coordinator Sue Arnold at: 829-3141 ext. 169 or smarnold@buffalo.edu.

Computer modeling applied to mattress design
Private Sector Partner: Gaymar Industries, Inc.

A team of engineers from UB's New York State Center for Engineering Design and Industrial Innovation (NYSCEDII) and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is applying its expertise in virtual prototyping and simulation to mattresses.

PointSmart software helps children and adults with disabilities 'point and click'
Private Sector Partner: Infogrip, Inc.

PointSmart, developed by Infogrip of Ventura, Calif., with assistance from the University at Buffalo Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology Transfer (T2RERC), helps stabilize erratic mouse movements by allowing users to adjust the sensitivity of those movements beyond standard speed and acceleration adjustments found on most personal computers.

System helps physicians prevent radiation-induced skin injuries to patients
Private Sector Partner: Esensors, Inc.

University at Buffalo researchers, working with an Amherst, N.Y., startup company called Esensors have developed a unique, real-time patient dose-tracking system, which lets physicians know when the accumulated radiation dose is approaching a dangerous threshold. The system is designed to be used either as a retrofit with existing fluoroscopy machines or to be included in the design of new machines.

$1 million "wellness works" initiative set to distribute funds

The wellness project is the brainchild of State Senator Mary Lou Rath. Administered by UB's School of Public Health and Health Professions, the program will provide up to $50,000 for two years to companies whose projects are approved by the board. "Wellness Works" dollars must be matched dollar-for-dollar by each business, and must be applied directly and exclusively to implementing and operating the program. Examples of health issues companies could address are smoking cessation, stress reduction and management, weight reduction, diet and exercise improvement, blood pressure management, cholesterol management and others.

UB licenses sleep apnea diagnostic technology
Private Sector Partner: Sleep Solutions, Inc.

"The technology represents a substantive advancement in the way OSA can be diagnosed, said Michael J. Thomas, president and CEO of Sleep Solutions, Inc. (SSI). "This new product will broaden our portfolio of services of less expensive, more-patient-friendly diagnostic testing products delivered directly to OSA patients in their homes"

UpStop Wheelchair Braking System
Private Sector Partner: AliMed

The UpStop is an automatic wheelchair braking system that engages a set of brakes when the occupant begins to exit, thereby preventing the wheelchair from rolling forwards or backwards. The UpStop Wheelchair Braking Sysyem is a patented technology developed by Steven Dobben, a private inventor. With assistance from UB's Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology Transfer, the UpStop Wheelchair Braking System was licensed to AliMed, Inc. of Dedham, MA in 2003.

The UpStop is an important technology for elderly persons with mobility impairments and their caregivers. Many wheelchair users do not have the cognitive ability, balance, or physical strength to support themselves while getting out of a wheelchair. Numerous injuries in nursing homes and other care facilities occur as a result of wheelchairs slipping out from underneath patients as they attempt to get up out of the wheelchair. With the UpStop, users with cognitive deficits, as well as those using rental chairs, do not need to set the brakes before leaving the wheelchair, preventing unnecessary injuries.

Lids Off Jar Opener
Private Sector Partner: Black & Decker

Black & Decker’s new Lids Off Open-It-All will be making its tradeshow debut in the T 2RERC’s booth at RESNA in June 2005. Introduced this spring in limited quantities for Mother’s Day, the Lids Off Open-It-All functions as a jar opener, can opener, and bottle opener all combined into one compact unit. Last year, our consumers identified the need for a combination opening device that would perform the function of these three highly used kitchen appliances. Black and Decker used our listing of consumer generated design and functional features to design the new product.

The Lids Off Open-It-All is an electrically operated, household kitchen appliance designed to assist all individuals with the task of opening jars, cans, and bottles. The Lids Off Open-It-All is designed to significantly reduce the amount of effort expended by all consumers especially children, disabled individuals, and the elderly.