The method for automatic dosing of drugs utilizes a microdelivery device which may be implanted in or otherwise administered to an animal or human. A microdelivery device is configured to have at least one compartment containing at least one drug so that a plurality of doses of the drug(s) are held within the device. In accordance with the present invention, the microdelivery device selectively actuates a compartment to selectively release doses of the drug(s) to provide an efficacious dosing pattern. One primary function of the present invention is to release two or more pesticides in such a pattern that parasites are effectively controlled while preventing the development of tolerance to the drugs within the parasites. Preferably, the microdelivery device is programmable to effectuate the release of the drug(s) at a desired time to maintain efficacious levels of the drug while minimizing the amount of drug which must be used.

(далее…)

Категория: Патенты | Нет комментариев »

This thesis describes the implementation of a telerobotic control architecture to manipulate a standard six degree of freedom industrial robot via a unique seven degree of freedom force-reflecting exoskeleton which is located in the Human Sensory Feedback Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. This is the first time that the robot and exoskeleton have been interfaced. The novel Naturally-Transitioning Rate-to-Force Controller is included in the irnplementation. Background for the control architecture and modes of operation are presented as well as the specific system description and operating procedures. Peg-insertion experiments were conducted to compare the performance of rate control, Naturally-Transitioning Rate-to-Force Control, and Naturally- Transitioning Rateto-Force Control with force reflection. Task completion time and manipulator work due to contact forces and moments through Cartesian displacements were the basis for comparison, The control architecture has been completely implemented. Experimental results displayed no clear differences among the three control modes; this indicates that a reduction in system time delays and more precise gain tuning are needed.

(далее…)

Категория: Научные статьи | Нет комментариев »

Confocal microscopy methods have been employed to image the metathoracic trochanter, a small exoskeleton segment between the coxa and femur, of an adult cockroach, Periplaneta americana. The confocal images represent planar sections through the exoskeleton of the trochanter. Specia-lized software was implemented to convert the section images into a complete three-dimensional geometric model of the trochanter. The raster image data of the confocal model was exported in a vector file format. Custom software was developed to resample the vector data and to automatically create a finite element mesh. The resulting mesh contained first-order, three-dimensional, triangular plate elements and also encoded data for element thicknesses. The Algor finite element package was used to analyze the model under the conditions of several biologically pertinent experiments. Special emphasis was placed on the strain analysis of the four groups of campaniform sensilla on the trochanter. These sensory organs respond to strains in the exoskeleton and are instrumental in the control of natural walking in insects. The results were compared to data from biological experiments which confirmed hypotheses and answered questions that have been difficult to determine experimentally on the animal. Functional differentiation both between groups and within groups of sensilla was observed. Further evidence that strain measurements are used in positive feedback control of the trochanteral extensor muscles was discovered. The structure of the trochanter was analyzed in the context of the function of the campaniform sensilla. Previously undescribed quantitative stress and strain data for insect cuticle was recorded.

(далее…)

Категория: Научные статьи | Нет комментариев »

A system for determining acceleration by measuring the movement of a rod within a housing. The rod is an elongate flexible rod disposed in the housing with one end being attached to the housing and the other end being free to move when the housing is accelerated. Movement of the rod is measured with field detectors disposed on an inside wall of the housing. The field detectors are used for determining the direction and degree of movement of the rod when the housing is accelerated.

(далее…)

Категория: Патенты | Нет комментариев »

A movement actuator includes an elongate filament made of a flexible material, and a strip of shape memory alloy disposed on the surface of one side of the filament. The shape memory alloy is responsive to actuation signals, heat or electrical signals, for changing its shape and when its shape changes, it causes the filament to move, i.e., bend, to accommodate the change in shape of the alloy. Also included is a signal supply device for selectively applying heat signals or electrical current to the strip of shape memory alloy to causes the alloy to change its shape and cause the filament to bend. Other patterns for the shape memory alloy could be disposed on the filament to cause other kinds of movements. For example, a helical pattern of the shape memory alloy about the filament would cause the filament to twist when the helical pattern were caused to shorten or lengthen.

(далее…)

Категория: Патенты | Нет комментариев »