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ABSTRACT
Liftware
is
an
adaptive
and
electronic
eating
utensil
that
uses
stabilizing
technology
within
its
handle
to
provide
counteractive
movements
to
stabilize
the
utensil
while
eating.
Liftware:
Tremor
Cancellation
Technology
December
2,
2014
Executive Summary
Parkinsons disease and Essential Tremors (ET) impact peoples lives in several
ways. The two neurological disorders affect brain activity and are characterized
by small, involuntary tremors of the body [1].
Because of the constant tremors, people living with Parkinsons and ET have
difficulty performing everyday tasks. The sporadic tremors can make mealtime
very challenging and frustrating because of constant spills and food being thrown
from the utensil.
There are a couple of options to combat the tremors while eating. These options
include:
Neither of the options listed above deal with working with the tremor.
Ultimately, Liftware is an ideal solution for people with Parkinsons or ET. The
stabilizing utensil will provide independent eating to people living with the
involuntary tremors.
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Liftware:
Tremor
Cancellation
Technology
December
2,
2014
Table
of
Contents
Glossary............................................................................................................iii
Introduction ......................................................................................................1
Living
with
Parkinsons
and
ET ...........................................................................2
Patient
Challenges ..................................................................................................................................................... 2
Treatments
and
Alternatives
for
Tremors...................................................................................................... 2
What
is
Liftware?...............................................................................................4
What
is
Liftware? ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
What
does
it
look
like?............................................................................................................................................. 4
How
does
it
work?..................................................................................................................................................... 4
Why
was
Liftware
Created?................................................................................................................................... 5
How
much
does
Liftware
Cost? ........................................................................................................................... 5
Alternatives
to
Liftware .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Features
and
Benefits
of
Liftware ......................................................................7
Features ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Benefits........................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Cost................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Conclusion.8
Appendix
A:
Testimonials ..................................................................................9
Appendix
B:
References ...................................................................................10
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Liftware:
Tremor
Cancellation
Technology
December
2,
2014
Glossary
Accelerometer:
An Accelerometer is an electronic device that is used to measure the
acceleration of movement. When used with Liftware, the accelerometer
measures the vibration of a persons tremor.
Essential Tremor:
An Essential Tremor is a neurological disorder that produces uncontrollable
shaking and tremors of body parts.
Liftware:
Liftware is an electronic eating utensil that uses ACT technology to
counterbalance the users tremors, and allows users to eat food without
experiencing severe tremors.
Microcontroller:
A Microcontroller is a compact computer that includes a single integrated circuit
with a processor that is used to control a mechanical device.
Parkinsons Disease:
Parkinsons disease is a progressive, neurological disorder that produces
tremors, muscle rigidity, and slow imprecise movements.
Stabilizing Technology:
Stabilizing Technology is scientifically designed electronic equipment that uses
active tremor cancellation to create stability.
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Liftware:
Tremor
Cancellation
Technology
December
2,
2014
Introduction
Purpose:
Context:
People living with Parkinsons and ET have a limited number of choices for
assistive eating. There are currently two options for assistance:
Neither option solves the problem or removes the tremors; however, Liftware
offers users a simple and effective solution.
Organization:
The whitepaper will be divided into four sections. These sections include:
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Liftware:
Tremor
Cancellation
Technology
December
2,
2014
Patient Challenges
People living with Parkinsons and ET have difficulty with simple, everyday
activities. Because of the constant and unexpected tremors caused by these
neurological disorders, everyday tasks can be frustrating and problematic [6 & 7].
When people with Parkinsons disease eat and use a normal utensil, their
tremors, caused by the neurological disorder, result in constant spills and food
thrown from their utensil. This problem can create a frustrating mealtime
experience and a loss of dignity for people with tremors. Also, those living with
involuntary tremors may become embarrassed by them and may isolate
themselves socially so they do not have to eat in public.
There is currently no cure for Parkinsons and ET. The options available for
people with the disorders are a series of medications [1].
While these medications attempt to lessen the involuntary tremors, they do not
cure the disorder. These drugs are known to have negative side effects like
fatigue, drowsiness, lack of concentration and difficulty walking [1].
In severe cases of Parkinsons and ET, the individual can choose to undergo
invasive brain surgery. However, this surgery is dangerous and attempts to
destroy the parts of the brain that cause the tremors.
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Liftware:
Tremor
Cancellation
Technology
December
2,
2014
Not only does Liftware help food stay on the utensil, it also allows users to eat
independently and enjoy food without the help of a caregiver.
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Liftware:
Tremor
Cancellation
Technology
December
2,
2014
What is Liftware?
This section is divided into: [1] What is Liftware, [2] What Does it Look Like, [3]
How Does it Work, [4] Why was Liftware Created, [5] How Much Does Liftware
Cost, and [6] Alternatives to Liftware.
What is Liftware?
Liftware consists of two main parts (refer to Figure 1): the detachable utensil (1)
and its base, the handle (2).
1. Liftware offers three utensil attachments: a fork, a soup spoon, and an
everyday spoon.
2. Liftwares handle consists of a form of tremor cancellation technology,
called Active Cancellation (ACT), as well as a rechargeable battery [5].
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Liftware:
Tremor
Cancellation
Technology
December
2,
2014
the data, and the attachment is moved in the opposite direction of the tremor by
small motors with counterbalancing force. Cancelling tremors are sent both
horizontally and vertically through motors within the handle.
Liftlabs, the company that created Liftware, was recently purchased by Google X.
Google X is a research department attempting to make major technological
advancements. Google X states: [Liftwares] tremor-canceling device could
improve quality of life for millions of people [9].
With the collaboration of Liftlabs and Google X, the technological and research
company plans to make continual strides in design and innovation for those
experiencing tremors resulting from neurological disorders.
Liftware costs $295 for the stabilizing handle and one attachment utensil. While it
seems like an expensive product, if one were to use Liftware for every meal, the
adaptive utensil would average 27 per meal in the first year [5].
The Liftware utensil is an investment in the lives of people living with Parkinsons
and ET. The utensil will allow these people to eat independently again.
Alternatives to Liftware
First, there are adaptive utensils that have ergonomic, weighted handles that are
meant to help eating. These utensils can cost anywhere from $5- $100 [3].
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Liftware:
Tremor
Cancellation
Technology
December
2,
2014
Unfortunately, these adaptive eating utensils do not help the user work with their
tremors. Eating can still be difficult with these weighted eating utensils.
Ultimately, the alternatives to Liftware can be costly and not work as effectively
as the Liftware stabilizer. Liftware will allow people with Parkinsons and ET to
independently eat and enjoy mealtime.
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Liftware:
Tremor
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Technology
December
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2014
This section is divided into: [1] Features, [2] Benefits, and [3] Cost.
Features
Liftwares assistive technology will improve the lives of people suffering from
Parkinsons and ET. The stabilizing technology within the utensil uses ACT
technology to cancel up to 70% of a users tremor.
Unlike other utensils on the market that only provide ergonomic fit, Liftware offers
users a wide handle to grasp, along with the ACT technology to help offset the
users tremor.
Liftware offers users multiple features that will benefit their lifestyles [11]. When
purchasing Liftware, the product features:
Benefits
Liftwares ACT technology will benefit people living with Parkinsons and ET for
several reasons. These include:
Cost
Liftware costs $295.00 (American) to purchase [2]. This price includes the
stabilizing base and the soup spoon attachment. While it seems like an
expensive product, if used everyday, Liftware averages out to be 27 per meal
in the first year. Liftware is a tremendous investment in self-respect,
independence, and stress-free eating for people living with Parkinsons and ET.
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Liftware:
Tremor
Cancellation
Technology
December
2,
2014
Conclusion
People living with Parkinsons and Essential Tremors find performing everyday
tasks difficult. Eating is one daily activity that can be frustrating because of the
diseases constant and involuntary tremors.
While adaptive utensils with ergonomic grip and wider handles are currently sold
as an alternative to a caregiver, none of these solutions attempt to solve the
problem of the tremor.
Liftware, on the other hand, offers users an adaptive eating utensil that uses
stabilizing technology that sends ACT to counteract the users tremor. It provides
users with an independent solution for mealtime. Instead of fighting the tremor,
Liftware adapts to it and works with the users tremor to allow them to eat
independently.
While the initial purchase of the product may seem expensive, Liftware is a
significant personal as well as functional investment for people living with
Parkinsons and ET. Liftware costs $295.00 for the stabilizing handle and one
attachable utensil [2]. However, daily use amortizes this cost to only 27 per
meal in the first year.
Liftware helps to alleviate the costs of Personal Support Workers and caregivers
who, otherwise, would help feed people who have Parkinsons or ET.
Liftware will transform the everyday lives of people suffering from Parkinsons
and ET. Meals will be more enjoyable and less embarrassing. Ultimately, Liftware
will give independent eating back to people living with involuntary tremors.
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Liftware:
Tremor
Cancellation
Technology
December
2,
2014
Appendix A: Testimonials
I ate a bowl of cereal this morning for the first time in years! Mornings are always
the worst for me, until my meds kick in, so I'd given up trying to fight with
breakfast cereal - Donna and I sat and ate together and giggled about the little
robot in my hand. Thank you for such a wonderful gift to the ET community
[5].
Eric H.
I had Chinese food yesterday and as usual with a regular spoon, it went all over
unless I used two hands to hold it. Today I brought the spoon to work and am
now eating my leftovers with one hand and not one piece falling all over the
place. This is absolutely incredible [5].
Kelly K.
It's simple to use and is surprisingly comfortable in the hand. I thought it might
be awkward, but it isn't at all. I'm thoroughly enjoying my spoon! I received my
Liftware Spoon on Monday and have used it everyday since. I must admit I was
skeptical about it, but was immediately impressed on first use! It actually does
help significantly!! I now find excuses to use it! [5].
Bev M.
To The Best Team Ever: I used your precious spoon to eat some scrambled
eggs and guess what? The eggs were still on the spoon when it reached my
mouth!! For the first time in years I was able to eat a meal with one hand
and not feel embarrassed when food would fall off the spoon and land
everywhere. You have helped so many people; it has been a real challenge to
figure out ways to eat without making a mess. I can't thank you enough for what
you have done for me. God Bless you all [5].
Wendy S.
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Liftware:
Tremor
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Appendix B: References
[1] (2014) Treatment Options. [Online]. Available:
http://www.liftlabsdesign.com/treatment.html
[3] Nancy Ryerson. (10 July 2014). Community Recommendations: Assistance Products for
Parkinsons Disease. [Online] Available: https://www.michaeljfox.org/foundation/news-
detail.php?assistance-products-for-parkinson-disease-community-
recommendations&utm_source=social&utm_medium=facebook&utm_content=foundationne
ws&utm_campaign=assistance-products&s_src=assistance-products&s_subsrc=facebook
[8] Pathak, A., Redmond, J. A., Allen, M. and Chou, K. L. (2014), A noninvasive handheld
assistive device to accommodate essential tremor: A pilot study. Mov. Disord., 29: 838842.
Available:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mds.25796/full
[9] Teresa Elias. (17 September 2014) While Apple Announced the Iphone, Google Bought
a Spoon. [Online] Available: http://www.zagg.com/community/blog/while-apple-announced-
the-iphone-google-bought-a-spoon/
[10] Sunshine Mugrab. (19 March 2014) Liftware Creator Anupam Pathak Featured Speaker
at American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting. [Online]. Available:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/3/prweb10533126.htm
[11] (22 January 2014). Stabilizing the Dining Experience for People with Parkinsons with
Liftware. [Online]. Available: http://notjustprettycolours.com/blog/2014/1/22/stabilising-the-
dining-experience-for-people-with-parkinsons-with-liftware#.VHDaUVfF9v
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