This paper describes the development of a humanlike multi-modal soft finger and its ability to sense the texture of objects. This fingertip has two silicon rubber layers of different hardness; strain gauges and PVDF films are randomly distributed as tactile sensors. Owing to the dynamics of the silicon between sensors, the fingertip is supposed to have several sensor modalities. Preliminary exp...

The subject is truly vast, far greater than will be encompassed in this paper which can be best deal with various examples. It should be realised that virtually any fairly solid substance may be called upon as a bearing material. It is easy to quote common examples which use rubies, wood, rubber, leather etc. as bearing materials and this diversity is only a microcosmic part of the range availa...

The influence of physical and chemical properties of 20 species of imported wood on degradation of the wood by termites under field conditions was studied. The wood species studied were: Sycamore maple, Acer pseudoplatanus L. (Sapindales: Sapindaceae) (from two countries), Camphor, Dryobalanops aromatic C.F.Gaertner (Malvales: Dipterocarpaceae), Beech, Fagus grandifolia Ehrhart (Fagales: Fagace...

Cement production is highly energy intensive and requires large quantities of fuels. For both economical and environmental reasons, there is an increasing tendency for utilization of alternative fuels in the cement industry, examples being tire derived fuels, waste wood, or different types of industrial waste. In this study, devolatilization and combustion of large particles of tire rubber and ...

Schizophrenic patients may report unusual perception of their own body. Studies using the rubber hand illusion (RHI) proposed that they exhibit a distorted sense of body ownership. However, since the RHI is mostly achieved with the contribution of visuo-tactile integration, the stronger RHI observed in schizophrenic patients could reflect either a general increase of the response to multisensor...

The bactericidal activity of a general purpose disinfectant consisting of 25% sodium-o-phenylphenolate and 75% sodium-4- and 6-chloro-2-phenylphenolate was evaluated by a simulated in-use, surface-square dilution method. Common floor (asphalt, rubber, and unglazed tiles) and wall (stainless steel tile, ceramic tile, and painted wood) surfaces of various porosities and compositions were selected...

Distal radius fractures are common on playgrounds. Yet current guidelines for the selection of playground surface materials are based only on protection against fall-related head injuries. We conducted "torso release" experiments to determine how common playground surface materials affect impact force applied to the hand during upper limb fall arrests. Trials were acquired for falls onto a rigi...

Whereas detailed information on Syme prostheses prior to the turn of the 20th century is not readily to be had, the catalogs issued by limb manufacturers in the early 1900's seem invariably to include a description of a prosthesis for the Syme stump. Of many different designs offered, some used articulated ankles (if space were available below the stump and socket), some used rubber feet withou...

The manufacturing processes of rubber crumb–wood particle reinforced cement based composites (RWCC) which shortened the pressing cycle and enhanced the properties were completely investigated. Meanwhile, optimal processing conditions as well as properties of strength were tested to validate the predicted variables and properties. Mechanism effects of interacting process variables [density, dura...