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Posts Tagged «carbon dioxide»
New nanoparticles get us closer to artificial photosynthesis, mass carbon capture October 1, 2014 at 10:30 am
Scientists from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory say they have found a reliable way to catalyze the production of fuel from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
US Department of Energy begins building largest carbon capture system ever July 17, 2014 at 4:12 pm
Large scale carbon capture and sequestration is almost here, but it's going to face some economic hurdles.
Researchers claim that life arrived on Earth via asteroids and comets, but not in the way you think June 7, 2013 at 10:11 am
A forthcoming study from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory claims that supercomputers simulations of asteroid impacts predict the formation of some of the most crucial organic compounds for life.


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Outer limits: The Lake City blog
Like the rest of Seattle, the Lake City neighborhood is gradually transforming itself — in ways both good and bad. Local bloggers (and blog readers) document these changes and give voice to Seattle's northern outpost.
Monthly Archive for March, 2009
Follow up to Lake City Crime Meeting
If you're interested in what was discussed at last Thursday's public forum on crime, held at the Lake City Library, read P.I. reporter Casey McNerthney's latest article: [Read More]
Trail mapping begins in NE Seattle
At the Kick-off community members collectively mapped walking routes in their neighborhood. Photo provided by Feet First. Modeled on the West Seattle Trails project, Feet First is working with community groups to create the first trails map of NE Seattle. Feet First is a pedestrian advocacy organization, working to create walkable communities, in which people are encouraged to experience their neighborhood on foot, through participation in mapping and sign development. [Read More]
Forum on Public Safety to be held March 5th
Crime is not new to this neighborhood, however, Lake City appears to be experiencing an upswing in criminal activity, according to media and police reports. [Read More]

subset: commoncrawl


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AHT Giveaway: Case of Pat LaFrieda Burgers
Brioche buns!
Brioche buns!
I love to go to Penelope for breakfast, now I need to go for fish and chips! Those fries are heaven.
I went to Belgium to stay with a friend and her family when I was 18. Her mom would make us crepes for breakfast and she'd bring out jams and this unlabeled white bucket filled with chocolate spread. Best breakfast ever!
I make these potato rolls from Joe Beef. They're not completely squishy like Martin's, but the flavor is much better. I eggwash them to make them look even prettier.
Same thing has been happening to me for months on an iPad using Safari and a Mac using Firefox. Updates and cache clearing have never helped. It started sometime this winter, has never been fixed for me.
Does it have splenda (sucralose) in it?
Why, cap of ribeye, of course!
Medium rare, cheddar cheese sauce, bacon, iceberg lettuce, a little raw onion, soft grilled roll and a little ketchup on the side to dip it in.
I just call it awesome.
Any kind of street food...tacos, falafel, shawarma...
Did you take a photo of my dog's vomit this morning and post it here?
If I want soda, which I like on occasion, I drink the GuS ones, they have 90 calories in a 12oz bottle, come in neat flavors and don't have any artificial sweeteners. They make good mixers, too. I usually only have a soda once every few months though.
So, what if we don't have chocolate chips? Is it okay to not use them? Cuz if I had chocolate chips, I'd just eat the chips. :D This sounds great, I will try ASAP.
Pasta tossed with a little cream, pecorino, pasta water, whatever green veg I have, lemon zest and bread crumbs.
(two, two classics! ah ah ah!)
Pumpernickel bagels!
Grilled skirt steak!
Anything chocolate. Really.
Joe Yonan's Serve Yourself is an awesome book.
My Bob Kramer chef's knife. I never leave home without it.
In a grilled cheese with thin sliced pears, prosciutto and sharp provolone.
Truffles. No, hot chocoate. No, kisses with almonds. No, bon bons. No, ice cream. Ah, screw it, just melt it and hook it up to my IV.
I don't think I'd read a blog with any of those names.
Will it work? I've used whole milk and 2%, which both work, but I never tried 1%. I have a ton of 1% milk and some heavy cream, but no whole or 2%. Maybe if I put some cream into the 1%?
What's everyone making for dinner tonight? I'm not sure yet myself...maybe you all will inspire me!
I'm making paneer and my milk just won't separate. I use 1 gallon of milk to 1/2 cup lemon juice...bring milk to boil, turn off heat, add juice, turn heat back to low until curds form. Drain, rinse and press.
I've made it this way a billion times and today, it just won't go! I really don't want to waste a gallon of milk...
This is new, started about 6 months ago. I've never had a problem with meat before, but it's really starting to gross me out. I used to love my steaks rare/med rare, now red meat has to be at least medium. I can barely stomach chicken... tonight I made a beloved whole roasted chicken, and I have a vision of this clump of fat in my head that's literally making me sick. Pork isn't too bad, but I'd still rather not eat it.
The problem is I don't know where to even begin becoming vegetarian, or even if that's best. My husband is a carnivore, but I suppose I could just cook him a piece of meat to go along with whatever I make.
Maybe what I need is some sort of "meat lite" diet? I'm a chef, so I would still need to taste things that contain meat, or meat products, like stock and such. I also have a lap-band, so I need to still have a healthy diet, not just subsist on cheese sandwiches.
Am I going crazy? I'm 38 years old, have loved meat since I was a baby! Has this happened to anyone else? I'm really quite a bit freaked out here, this just doesn't feel normal.
We're going to radio city tonight and don't know where to have dinner. Looking for something casual and not terribly expensive. We love most kinds of foods, aren't afraid of something new...just don't want to stray far from rcmh. Any suggestions for late night are welcome too!
I have my jar of asafoetida in a ziploc bag, but can still smell it whenever I open the cupboard door. Any suggestions on where/how to store it? Bury it in the backyard? lol
I bought way more serrano peppers at the farm market today than anyone could use in a week! But they were so pretty and I couldn't resist.
Think I can chop and freeze them? What would be the best way? Ice cube trays with water? Or could I just chop them and stick them in freezer bags?
I have four giant ripe mangoes in the kitchen staring at me! Anyone have any ideas what to do with them besides peel and eat? No shellfish please, I'm allergic. Thanks!
I have to have testing done at NYU medical center (1st and 30th) and will have couple of hours in between testing and a doctor's appointment. Are there any little lunch places around there that wouldn't mind me taking my time? I would like to stay close by in case I have to go back to the hospital sooner.
Thank you!
Ok, so I've been recruited to cook breakfast on Thanksgiving morning for 10 starving high school kids and one giant hubby before they go out to tape the yearly football game against their rival team.
The breakfast will be at our house, so I will have access to all of my equipment, such as it is. The palates seem to be somewhat adventurous and most are good eaters. I'd like to be able to enjoy most of the meal with them.
I was thinking maybe sausage gravy with biscuits, a fritatta (I'd love some ideas, especially unconventional ones), bacon done in the oven. Any breakfast casseroles? Don't want to stand at the stove doing pancakes. Has anyone tried the overnight French toast casserole in Sally Schnieder's Improvisational Cook?
I'm open to lots of ideas. After my chocolate peanut butter crispy bars (now named Muerm Munch - our last name is Muermann), I have a high bar set ahead of me!
Is anyone else missing about 10 - 15 pages of their Bon Appetit magazine this month? The section after the women chefs is just a repeat of some of the middle pages of the mag, upside down. For the first installment of a subscription that I've been waiting for for months, I almost cried when I realized that most of the recipes I wanted were missing! lol
A standard in almost every home cook's repertoire, the chicken dinner tends to lean toward the banal and un-exciting. Fortunately, we've compiled the best versions of all the standard chicken dishes, as well as a few unconventional ones that will restore poultry's dignity in your kitchen. From mole to tikka to buffalo wings, and more. More
These nutty brown butter crêpes are the perfect base for a myriad of recipes. More
Crunchy cornflakes add a crisp, crackly texture to the already awesome combo of chocolate and peanut butter. And what makes these bars even better? You don't have to turn on your oven to make them. More
New York Indian chef Floyd Cardoz shares his recipe for butter chicken, also known as chicken tikka makhani. More
For those of you who aren't into the chocolate overload aspect of the famous Tunnel of Fudge Cake, I have configured a sweet counterpart: the Tunnel of Penuche Cake. If fudge is the inspiration for the original, penuche (a "blonde" fudge made with brown sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla) is the muse for this honey-hued variation. More
Philadelphia Butter Cake is almost indescribably rich: if you can imagine Gooey Butter cake but minus the cream cheese, and with a base that is somewhat like a crushed, compressed danish, you're getting the right idea. More
This is a light and refreshing mousse pie made with mango puree, which you can make using fresh or frozen mangoes pureed in a blender, or with puree purchased from the store. Unlike many mousses, this one contains no egg whites and relies on whipped cream to give it volume and gelatin to stabilize it. I love serving this pie in the springtime, when mangoes are at their peak. More
This Eggplant Romesco Rigatoni treats the meaty eggplant well, roasting it with onions and peppers before blending it with tomatoes and toasted almonds for an amazing pasta sauce that just to happens to be vegan. More
On a Friday at just around beer o'clock, you want your fried chicken to have just a bit more... something. Flavor. Oomph. Whatever you want to call it. Here are seven recipes for seven different dipping sauces, each one with seven ingredients or fewer, designed to come together in seven minutes or less with absolutely no cooking. More
This is hands down one of my favorite cookies ever. Back in 1998, when I was still the pastry chef at The White Hart Inn in Salisbury, CT, I eyed a recipe for Triple Chocolate Cookies with Pistachios on the last page of my Gourmet magazine. A chocolate cookie studded with semisweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, and pistachios. Um, yum! More
The Indian anda bhurji is a riotous mix of colours, spice and flavours that's laden with butter and character. It's served with a dollop of butter and local loaf bread that's lightly toasted in the heat of the pan that the eggs were cooked in. More
Robed in a rich sauce of cream, blue cheese, and whole grain mustard, the sprouts are cooked down gratin-style under a blanket of Parmesan. More
This recipe is my attempt to re-create the original version of this pie from the Brooklyn pie shop, Four and Twenty Blackbirds. It comes pretty darn close to replicating the original, which features a flaky all-butter crust, a layer of rich ganache, and a layer of gooey oatmeal that gets all caramelized and crisp on top. More
For those who can't bare to choose between a blondie and a brownie, there's a dessert that perfectly marries the two: the By Cracky bar. Second prize winner in the 1952 Pillsbury Bakeoff, the By Cracky Bar was the genius creation of fifteen-year-old Yvonne Whyte of New Bedford, Massachusetts. For her efforts, young Miss Whyte won $2,000, a GE electric range, an electric mixer and the undying gratitude of dessert lovers all across the country. More
This thick, creamy tarragon and basil dip and dressing is giving a green buttery oomph with blended avocado. Great for salads, but even better for crudités and shrimp cocktail. More
Just right for birthdays or other special occasions, this Old-Fashioned Cake is a perfect balance of moist bittersweet chocolate cake and marshmallowy icing. More
Here's a quick-fix dessert that doesn't taste like desperation: chocolate cake prepared in a mug, in the microwave. With a consistency something like a steamed pudding, this chocolate cake might not rival a French chocolate cake in sophistication, but nonetheless holds its own as an easy convenience dessert. And should you find some ice cream or whipped cream to top it with, well, all the better. More
The flavor of this pudding changes dramatically depending on the ingredients used. Skim milk makes a pudding with the lighter taste and texture of the "low-fat" puddings where as whole milk gives the full flavor of the original. High end fancy cocoa powders like Valhrona will result in a really dynamic, flavorful chocolate pudding, whereas grocery store staples like Hershey's will have a simpler flavor more in line with the taste of the pudding you remember. More
Instead of Rice Krispies treats, many Latin Americans grow up eating these (no-bake!) clusters of cereal, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. At a glance, the recipe appears too sweet, but the burnt sugar adds nuance and complexity to these irresistible morsels. More
These pickled Brussels sprouts include garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns and mustard seeds and are wonderfully zingy. More
There are a couple of distinct advantages that canned beans have over dried, but there's one major disadvantage: flavor. Here are three easy soup recipes that pack flavor into canned beans, and can be made in under 30 minutes. More
This recipe updates a church potluck favorite to salty sweet heights. Using autumn's apples, this dessert dip tastes better than the sum of its parts. (You can do without the caramel bits if you'd prefer your apple dip old school.)... More
All cranberry and pine, this would be an excellent holiday punch, light but complex and with distinctly winter flavors; I like that the cranberry flavor comes from a liqueur rather than just juice, keeping that intense tart flavor without diluting the drink. More
The Leaf Peeper celebrates Vermont, bringing together the appley sweetness of ice cider with the buttery caramel notes of Vermont Gold vodka, which is made from maple sap. Maple syrup and a pour of hard cider balances the flavor. This cocktail, which works equally well as an aperitif or an after dinner drink, is basic in execution but complex in flavor. More
This grapey gimlet from Gramercy Tavern is a perfect use of the fresh Concord grapes that you might find at the farmers' market. More


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The Cordrey Center sits on a historic property in the beautiful and secluded natural setting of Millsboro near the Delaware Beaches. With three spaces available for weddings and parties, we have the perfect place for your celebration!
We offer discounted plant rentals and centerpieces to all Cordrey Center clients, making your event one to remember.
Our spacious indoor area features a gas fireplace, flat screen TV, atrium ceiling and gourmet kitchen. Our partially covered 4000 square foot paver patio and large side patio is adorned with elegant outdoor furniture along with cocktail tables, outdoor gas fireplace, built-in bar, industrial grill, decorative planters, and patio décor.


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Center for Science in the Public Interest
International Food Information Council Foundation
Dietitians of Canada
Health Canada
Benko CR, Farias AC, Farias LG, Pereira EF, Louzada FM, Cordeiro ML. Potential link between caffeine consumption and pediatric depression: a case-control study. BMC Pediatr. 2011;11:73.
Caffeine and your child. KidsHealth website. Available at: http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/child%5Fcaffeine.html#. Updated June 2014. Accessed July 17, 2014.
Drescher AA, Goodwin JL, Silva GE, Quan SF. Caffeine and screen time in adolescence: associations with short sleep and obesity. J Clin Sleep Med. 2011;7(4):337-342.
Hidden caffeine. Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/nutrition/Pages/Hidden-Caffeine.aspx. Updated April 30, 2014. Accessed July 17, 2014.
Kids should not consume energy drinks, and rarely need sports drinks, says AAP. Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/Kids-Should-Not-Consume-Energy-Drinks-and-Rarely-Need-Sports-Drinks-Says-AAP.aspx. Updated May 30, 2011. Accessed July 17, 2014.
Malinauskas BM, Aeby VG, Overton RF, Carpenter-Aeby T, Barber-Heidal K. A survey of energy drink consumption patterns among college students.
Nutr J. 2007;6:35.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
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The vibration and electrical characterization of a piezoelectric tactor actuator is described. The actuator is a rectangular laminated flat plate with two opposite sides simply supported and two others free. Under an axial compression from the supports, the plate deforms into a stressed shallow shell. Electrical high frequency harmonic signals within relatively low-frequency bursts are applied to the piezoelectric layers. Depending on the axial compression and pre-deflection, frequency and magnitude of electrical input, the tunable actuator exhibits frequency/mode-controlled high-force over large area vibrations with intense displacement jumps. A single-degree-of-freedom model and simplified 1-D models are provided. The tactor provides efficient conversion of electrical energy into mechanical.
1. A tactor apparatus for delivering sensible information to skin of a user comprising a pre buckled plate, piezoelectric material on the plate, an electrical power source, an oscillator connected to the power source and the piezoelectric material being connected to the oscillator for vibrating the plate to a buckling mode of maximum displacement.
2. The tactor apparatus of claim 1, further comprising spaced anchors and wherein the plate is anchored at opposite ends.
3. The tactor apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plate is prestressed in compression between the ends.
4. The tactor apparatus of claim 1, wherein piezoelectric material is layered on the plate.
5. The tactor apparatus of claim 4, wherein the plate is sandwiched between two opposite layers of the piezoelectric material.
6. The tactor apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plate is metal.
7. The tactor apparatus of claim 5, wherein the oscillator has opposite outputs connected to the opposite layers of the piezoelectric material for vibrating together with the plate.
8. The tactor apparatus of claim 7, wherein the oscillator applies power to the opposite layers in bursts.
9. A tactor apparatus comprising a base, a pre buckled plate axially compressed in the major direction connected to the base, piezoelectric material on the plate, a power source, a control connected to the power source, an oscillator connected to the power source and connected to the piezoelectric material and vibrating the plate to resonance and maximum vibratory displacement.
10. The tactor apparatus of claim 9, wherein the base further comprises opposite anchors and the plate is predeflected and axially compressed between the anchors, wherein the plate is coated on opposite sides with opposite layers of the piezoelectric material, wherein the oscillator has opposite outputs which are connected respectively to the opposite layers and wherein the control has a timer for connecting the power source to the oscillator in short bursts.
11. The tactor apparatus of claim 9, wherein the oscillator applies current to the piezoelectric material in short bursts.
12. The tactor apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a MYLAR layer covering the piezoelectric material for insulating the piezoelectric material.
13. A method of providing tactile perceivable information comprising mounting tactile bases and pre buckling and placing tactile communicator plates which are axially compressed in the major direction against a user, selectively driving the plates by supplying vibratory energy to the plates in short bursts and vibrating the plates in resonance and maximum displacement.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising holding the communicator plates outside of clothing and Positioning the clothing between the communicator plates and a user's skin.
15. The method of claim 13, further comprising predeflecting the plates and axially compressing the plates before driving the plates.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein drawing the plates comprises supplying opposite current to opposite layers of the piezoelectric material on opposite sides of the plates and insulating the piezoelectric material layers with a dielectric film.
This application claims benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/017,788 filed May 5, 1996.
The present invention addresses the problem of creating an effective actuator to provide tactile feedback to an individual in a high workload environment. Such an environment is represented by flight conditions which could cause spatial disorientation to a pilot, underwater navigation for a SEAL diver, or EVA missions for a space walker. In each situation, the opportunity to communicate by using the sense of feel opens an underutilized message path in addition to the conventional visual and aural techniques. The present invention relates generally to apparatus for providing tactile sensation to a user.
The complexity of the military environment places great physical and mental stress on soldiers involved in performing complex tasks. For example, aircraft pilots report that flying in conditions of poor visibility or at night can lead to spatial disorientation which may, in turn, lead to the necessity for intervention to preserve the aircraft (NAVATHE and SINGHE, 1994). RUPERT et al. (1989) and CLARK and RUPERT (1992) reviewed surveys on aircraft accidents and determined that nearly 4 to 10% of Class A mishaps ($500,000 damage or loss of life) and 10 to 20% of the fatal aircraft mishaps were a result of inadequate spatial awareness. Similar situations are found in underwater diving under conditions of poor visibility or in battlefield situations requiring attention to a large battery of sensor information.
Aircraft safety is a major concern for both the public and private sectors of the aeronautical industry. Audio contact, even if initially available, is often lost in emergency situations. Conditions which arise during emergencies, such as dense smoke, render visual cues useless. Needs exist for apparatus that allow pilots and other aircraft personnel to receive information and instructions when visual and audible aids are not available.
In environments where audio and visual information channels would only compete with data necessary for optimal performance of complex military tasks, tactile sensations can be valuable in providing an additional information channel. Tactile sensations can be used to improve the situational awareness of military personnel and to guide military personnel in the performance of tasks requiring input from external sensors and control systems. Work performed at the Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory (NAMRL), National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and University of West Florida has demonstrated that orientation awareness can be maintained through tactile cues (RUPERT et al., 1994). Successful development of tactile interfaces to improve situational awareness requires the availability of actuators capable of providing tactile stimuli representative of the operational situation. These actuators have been termed "tactors".
A wide range of actuators have been suggested for use as tactors in improving situational awareness. These include actuators based on piezoceramic structures, linear motors, shape memory alloy materials, magnetic materials, magnetostrictive materials and variable reluctance devices. The specifications for these tactors are as variable as the operational environments for expected use but include capability to generate tactile signals of sufficient magnitude; small size; low energy consumption; low hazard of electrical shock; quiet operation for use in undersea operations; controllable signal duration, intensity and frequency to allow use by individuals having a range of tactile and discomfort thresholds.
The impetus for the use of tactile stimulation to convey information about the environment may be traced to efforts at sensory substitution in providing a tactile channel for individuals with visual or auditory impairment (BLISS et al., 1970, WEISENBERGER and RUSSELL, 1989). More recently, tactile devices have been of great interest in the development of virtual reality displays for telerobotics, remote control and simulation (DE ROSSI, 1991, BROOKS et al., 1990). The physiological basis of tactile stimulation in producing a haptic display has been reviewed by CHOLEWIAK and COLLINS (1991). Tactile sensations may be perceived by free (bare) nerve endings or by nerve endings associated with or encapsulated within accessory structures. The current state of knowledge about these receptor structures is somewhat inconclusive in identifying the specific interactions responsible for the perception of tactile stimuli, but considerable effort has been expended to understand the action and characteristics of receptors in haptic perception. The encapsulated tactile receptors include the Pacinian corpuscles, Merkel's disks, Ruffini cylinders and Meissner's corpuscles. Each of the encapsulated tactile receptors is different from the others from an anatomical standpoint with resulting differences in response.
The Pacinian corpuscles respond to vibrations with displacements as small as 0.2 μm at a frequency of 250 Hz. The threshold increases for vibratory stimuli outside of the optimal frequency range. Increase in the size of the contactor decreases the threshold through an effect known as spatial summation. Non-Pacinian receptors have not been thought to exhibit spatial summation. The characteristics of probable tactile receptors are given in Table I.
The use of vibrotactile displays for sensory substitution systems has been reviewed by KACZMAREK et al.,(l 99 1) who presented a discussion of the information capacity of the tactile channel. The tactile information system may be said to possess some 10,000 parallel channels (receptors) capable of responding to stimuli as short as 10 ms, thereby providing considerable informational capacity if properly addressed. The information bandwidth of the tactile channel may vary widely among individuals. It is well known that vibrotactile stimulation thresholds vary considerably among individuals and with age. Considerable research expended toward determining the vibrotactile threshold has been reviewed by MAEDA and GRIFFIN (1994). Additional considerations in the application of tactile stimuli to improve situational awareness may be drawn from research by POST et al., (1994) who showed that the subjective intensity of suprathreshold tactile stimuli is considerably reduced during motor activity. For this reason, it is expected that higher amplitude tactile signals will be necessary to convey information to individuals engaged in active motor tasks.
The use of piezoelectric materials in actuators is reviewed by DAMJANOVIC and NEWNHAM (1992) and by NEWNHAM and RUSCHAU (1991). Typically piezo-materials displace less than 1 μm under an applied electric field. To increase the displacements, several designs have been introduced in the literature such as stacks, unimorph, bimorph, and Rainbow™ (ELISSALDE and CROSS, 1995). Piezoelectric multilayer stacks can be fabricated by joining multiple piezoelectric rings or plates, such that the total displacement of the stack is the sum of the displacements of each individual plate. Adjacent plates are separated by inner electrodes to provide vertical displacement through the piezoelectric charge coefficients. Several hundred plates are necessary to provide total displacements on the order of 20 μm (LUBITZ and HELLEBRAND, 1991).
The standard unimorph is made up of a flat piezoelectric wafer bonded to a metallic shim from one side. To increase the displacement range, the bimorph structures utilize PZT layers attached to both surfaces. The unimorph and bimorph structures usually utilize the geometry of a cantilever beam. In the bimorph, the application of an electric field across the two outer layers causes one layer to expand while the other contracts. This results in a bending motion with relatively wide displacements at the tip of the cantilever beam. In a cantilever configuration, the displacement of the tip, y, is related to the length of the cantilever, L, the applied voltage, V, and the thickness of the cantilever, h:
y=2L2 Vd31 /h2,
where d31 is the piezoelectric charge coefficient showing the magnitude of the strain induced in the direction of the cantilever when electrodes are applied perpendicular to the long axis of the cantilever. The magnitude of d31 is typically less than 300�10-12 V/m Cantilever-based piezoelectric actuators require lengths on the order of 25 mm or more to achieve a free deflection of 0.3 mm. Further increase in the displacement range may require utilizing resonance regimes.
Structurally similar to piezoelectric unimorphs, Rainbow™ high displacement domed buckling actuators produce displacements approximately 10 times greater than bimorphs ("Medical Equipment and Design," 1994). They support moderate loads up to 9 kg while achieving large displacements of between 0.025 and l.27 mm, however, with a relatively high voltage range of 100-500 volts.
At present, no single tactile actuator has shown the capability of meeting each of these requirements. To address this problem, American Research Corporation of Virginia (ARCOVA) has developed piezoceramic vibrotactile transducers capable of conveying tactile information to the user through layers of clothing. The overall goal of was to design and develop new vibrotactile transducers capable of safely producing adequate skin and surrounding tissue stimulus at low energy consumption.
The key to an effective means of communicating tactile feedback is the actuator (tactor). The present approach is to create a mild thumping sensation on the skin by utilizing PZT material in a unique vibratory mode. The frequency and intensity of the sensation may be varied commensurate with the degree of danger or the desired action. Tactors may also be closely grouped to create an enhanced effect through sensory summation.
The present invention is a transducer apparatus for exciting small areas of a person's skin. The apparatus employs a phenomenon that involves the "buckling" of a pre-compressed, arch shaped plate. Use of the buckling phenomenon allows the present invention to increase the energy transferred from an actuator element to a user. By cycling the present apparatus in an on/off manner, coded information is provided to the user. The present invention has a wide variety of applications, including, but not limited to, commercial and military applications where audio and visual information is not readily transmittable, including many diving, aviation and transportation operations.
ARCOVA designed, fabricated and tested several novel versions of the PZT tactor. These unique designs utilize pre-compressed, pre-deflected piezoceramic transducers to increase energy transferred from the tactor elements to the user. The final configurations were integrated into a waist worn belt (6 tactors) and a palm/elbow test box (1 tactor). Suitable power and control circuitry were also designed and fabricated.
The PZT based vibratory design was proven to be small, reliable, and highly effective in penetrating layers of clothing to generate a skin sensation. The signals were clearly identifiable and their position, intensity, and frequency easily recognized.
The ARCOVA efforts are significant because they prove the feasibility of providing critical safety/mission/threat information in a complex workload environment through tactile feedback. Further, clear directions are provided as to fielding a practical system through refinements in the tactor size, voltage level, and analysis of the enhanced vibratory modes. Such a system is readily deployed in numerous situations to improve personnel safety and increase mission success.
Elastic piezoceramic elements have received extensive attention because of their capability of performing both actuator and sensor functions, as components of transducers (speakers, microphones, hydrophones), pumps, relays and switches, adaptive optics (variable-focus lens and mirrors), vibrators and ultrasonic cleaners, sensors (motion, stress, pressure, optical and pyroelectric), dynamic displacement and strain gages, amplifiers and accelerometers, benders and fans, actuators, positioners and robotic handlers, and printer hammers. The most common piezoelectric ceramics are lead zirconate titanate (PZT), barium titanate, lead titanate, lead metaniobate and zinc oxide. Piezoelectric materials are characterized by the development of a change in molecular polarization in response to an externally applied mechanical stress. The converse piezoelectric effect results in the deformation of the ceramic under the influence of an applied electric field. For a material to exhibit the converse piezoelectric effect, there must be a permanent separation of positive and negative charge centers at the unit cell level. An applied electric field exerts opposite forces on the positive and negative charge centers of the unit cell, causing deformation of the unit cell. The maximum strain induced by piezoelectric effects is on the order of 0.01% to 0.1% at applied electric fields of 106 V/M.
Shallow arch structures subjected to external transverse pressure under certain conditions become unstable and exhibit a phenomenon called snap-buckling. This instability involves a sudden transition of the structure from one state of equilibrium to another non-adjoining stable equilibrium configuration. In the case of dynamic loading, the stability investigation requires the determination of the dynamic response of the structure as described by non-linear equations of motion. Buckling and collapse, as well as chaotic transitions from one position of equilibrium to another, are associated with very fast changes in the geometry of structures. These phenomenon serve as a background to design a large displacement and high velocity vibro-impacting PZT tactor providing significant stimulation to the skin over a relatively large area.
The ARCOVA design approach is based upon utilizing the most efficient buckling regimes resulting in higher ranges of displacements, velocities and vibro-impacting force. A pre-buckled (pre-compressed axially and pre-deflected transversely) rectangular PZT/steel/PZT plate in the form of a cylindrical panel is subjected to a 5 to 10 Hz burst of harmonic excitation. This type of loading causes cylindrical bending vibration in resonance regimes, followed by buckling and possibly chaotic motions. The fast transitions from one state of equilibrium to another provides strong vibro-impacting output signals. The vibratory buckling motion of the cylindrically bent plate is expected to be more efficient, in terms of the power consumption and displacements, compared to the buckling motion of more rigid structures such as spherical domes utilized in Rainbow m actuators. The overall design is expected to be low-cost for large-volume manufacturing and reliable in application. The buckling element is installed in an adjustable fixture that transforms a uniformly distributed vibro-impacting output to a relatively large area of the skin through the thickness of cloth. The design of the single tactor is intended to serve as a component for the spatial summation effect to increase vibratory simulation of the skin.
The present invention provides new vibrotactile transducers capable of safely producing adequate skin and surrounding tissue stimulus at low energy consumption. Specific objectives are as follows:
These and further and other objects and features of the invention are apparent in the disclosure, which includes the above and ongoing written specification, with the claims and the drawings.
FIG. 1 schematically shows the tactor of the invention.
FIG. 2 shows typical piezoelectric actuators and requirements for high displacements, large force and tunable frequency.
FIG. 3 shows displacements 1 to 2 (mode 1 vibration), and jump 3 in axially compressed pre-deflected actuator.
FIGS. 4a-4c show stress components (a), moment resultants (b) and force resultants (c) in shell coordinates.
FIG. 5 shows the pre-deflected axially compressed plate and its equivalent SDoF model with displacement jump.
FIGS. 6a shows the displacement jump g(t) and
6b shows modulated driving force G(t).
FIG. 7 shows the influence of in-plane compressive force Nx o on the fundamental frequencies fm of PZT-steel-PZT plate, where m=1,2 and 3. Solid curves are for EPZT =E11 =63GPa and dashed for EPZT =E33 =49GPa. Dots are from an equivalent beam with no compression and EPZT =E33 =49GPa.
FIGS. 8a-8g show SDoF systems without displacement jump. Displacements y vs. time t histories, velocity vs. y and acceleration vs. y diagrams for three systems having natural frequencies below (a, b), above (c, d) and equal to (e-g) driving frequency Ω.
FIGS. 9a-9f show SDoF systems with displacement jump and a driving signal with "burst". Displacements y vs. time t histories, velocity vs. y and acceleration vs. y diagrams for two systems in resonant regime ω=Ω=360. Maximum of the jump function is -1.3 (a-c) and -9.1 (d-f).
FIG. 10 is an experimental arrangement for electrical and mechanical characterization of the PZT actuator.
FIG. 11 shows the driving signal (with the zero-axis 1--1) and an asymmetric vibration of midpoint of PZT actuator (with the initial position 2--2), measured experimentally.
FIG. 12 shows the accelerometer reading of unloaded PZT actuator at various modulation frequencies.
FIG. 13 shows the impedance spectrum as a function of pre-deflection.
FIG. 14 shows an actuator response to magnitude of driving voltage.
FIG. 15 shows a palm tactor and electronic amplifier.
FIG. 16 shows a waist tactor.
FIG. 17 shows the summary response to the PZT tactor at various levels of applied voltage.
An efficient vibrotactile transducer designed for use in the areas of aviation, diving, biomedical and virtual reality applications is described.
Vibrating transducers were fabricated from high efficiency piezoceramic material in a manner useful to construct devices with two or more independent skin contacting surfaces. The tactor utilizes efficient mechanisms for transformation of the electric power supplied to PZT layers into a vibro-impacting output signal.
FIG. 1 schematically shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The present apparatus 1 includes a flat, elastic plate 3 that is pre-compressed and pre-deflected into an arch shape. The plate 3 extends between arms 5 of a mount 7. An adjustable component 9 is used to compress and deflect the plate 3.
The plate 3 is under transverse, periodic excitation. That excitation is provided through external actuators 11. Those actuators may be selected from the group of actuators including, but not limited to, piezoceramic actuators, shape memory alloys and electromagnets.
In a preferred embodiment of the present apparatus, the external excitation of the plate is provided by two layers of piezoelectric materials (lead zirconate titanate (PZT)). The piezoelectric layers are electrically poled such that the plate deflects from its equilibrium when an electric field is applied to the top and bottom of the plate. That creates an electromechanical stress on the PZT layers. When an alternating electric field is applied, the plate displays different vibration modes. The vibration mode displayed is dependent on the material characteristics, the initial compression and deflection, the frequency of excitation and the amplitude of the applied voltage.
At low excitation amplitudes, the plate deflects and vibrates around its equilibrium shape. Operating under that type of vibration mode, the present apparatus provides vibratory sensations, with the amplitudes of the sensations being relatively small. By increasing the amplitude of excitation, the vibrating plate buckles. The buckling phenomenon of the plate, which is in sharp transition from one equilibrium state to another, is periodic and/or chaotic. The buckling phenomenon creates a large mechanical impulse which results in larger sensations to the user than sensations resulting from the vibrating plate alone.
The buckling phenomenon of the present apparatus is achieved through continuous excitations or bursts of periodic excitations. The buckling phenomenon is generally easier to achieve using bursts of periodic excitations, due to the discontinuities in excitation. For example, in a PZT plate having dimensions of approximately 3.81 cm�1.27 cm�0.5 m and being under a pre-deflection amplitude approximately 1 mm, large sensations are achieved through a 5 Hz burst of sinusoidal waveform of 250 Hz frequency for 40 to 50 ms. The amplitude of applied voltage in that example is approximately 150 volts.
To complement the design goals for piezoelectric actuators, a third dimension, namely, frequency controllability was introduced as depicted in FIG. 2. Combining the goals of maximizing both the dynamic force and displacements for a prescribed frequency, this approach resulted in a novel high displacement large force tunable piezoceramic actuator (Churchill, et. al., 1996). Structurally, the actuator is a rectangular steel plate laminated from the top and bottom by PZT layers. The two opposite sides of the plate are free while the two others are simply supported and compressed by axial forces from the supports. Under compression, initially flat plate deforms into a stressed shallow shell. The electrical driving signal applied to the PZT layers is a high-frequency time-harmonic voltage modulated by low-frequency "bursts" or "windows". The actuator generates uniformly distributed over a large area high force, with very large displacements, in resonant regimes. Its frequency is controllable or tunable by changing axial compression and pre-deflection. New and modified existing mathematical models were developed and used to evaluate effective regimes for the actuator, including a service regime with resonance at 250-280 Hz.
As shown in FIG. 3, the main element of the tactor is an axially pre-compressed and transversely pre-deflected rectangular plate with the two opposite edges simply supported and the other two edges free. The plate consists of a steel layer with two PZT layers attached to its upper and lower surfaces. The electrical input is a high-frequency time harmonic current with periodic "bursts". This electrical current, applied to the PZT layers, results in cylindrical bending motions of the plate and may lead to resonant regimes with buckling, and possibly, chaotic motions.
Modified existing and new mathematical tools for analyzing vibro-impacting behavior of the tunable PZT actuator including resonance regimes with displacement jumps were used. Schematically depicted in FIG. 3 the actuator motion consists of a mode 1 vibration, shown by arrows 1 and 2, with growing in resonance displacements and a displacement jump 3.
FIGS. 4a-4c show stress components (4a), moment resultants (4b) and force resultants (4c) in shell coordinates.
FIG. 5 shows an analysis of vibration with displacement g(t) characterizing a displacement jump from an initial state of equilibrium jumps in the system that is excited by a modulated harmonic signal, to another state of equilibrium, and then back to the initial one.
FIG. 6a shows a function g(t) characterizing a displacement jump from initial state of equilibrium with y=0, for the period of time 0<t<0.02, to another state of equilibrium with y=y*, for 0.02<t<0.15, and then back to initial position, y=0, when t>0.15.
FIG. 6b illustrates a driving force that is a time-harmonic, sin(kt), within a "burst" function G(t)=1 during time interval 0<t<0.015.
In preferred embodiments, for a basic element of the actuator, the following rectangular three-layer PZT-steel-PZT plate was considered: length L=38.1 mm, width b=12.7 mm, thickness of each PZT layer, hPZT =0.127 mm, thickness of the steel layer hM =0.127 mm. The orthotropic G1195PZT material has the following parameters: Young's moduli in two directions when the electrodes are shorted are E11 ≡=63 GPa, E33 ≡=49 GPa, Poisson ratio νPZT =0.3 and mass density ρPZT =7.65 mg/mm3. The isotropic 302 stainless steel has Young's modulus EM =207 GPa, Poisson's ratio νM =0.3 and mass density ρM =8 mg/mm3. For practical application, it was desirable to achieve a resonance at 250-280 Hz.
Computations for a simply supported axially compressed flat laminated plate were performed. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd frequencies monotonically decrease with the increase in axial compression. Solid curves in FIG. 7 correspond to the case when the PZT material is taken as an isotropic with EPZT =E11 =63 GPa and dashed lines to EPZT =E33 =49 GPa. For modes 1, 2 and 3, the intersections of the curves with the vertical axis give values of fundamental frequencies when axial force is equal to zero. The fundamental frequencies computed from both plate (Equations 34, 35) and beam (Equation 40) models are summarized in Table I. The values of fundamental frequencies of the beam model are higher than those of flat plate.
The intersection of solid (EPZT =E11 =63 GPa) and dashed (EPZT =E11 =49 GPa) curves with horizontal axis show critical values of compressive force resulting in a transition from flat to a deflected shape. The shape transition for mode 1 requires minimal compressive force, that is 0.0019 GPa�mm for EPZT =49 GPa and 0.0024 GPa�mm for EPZT =63 GPa. The intersection of the curves with the horizontal line f=250 Hz suggest the values of axial compressive force to achieve resonance for modes 1, 2 and 3.
FIGS. 8a-8g depict time-displacement histories for two different states of equilibrium: y*=2 and y*=3.6. Comparison with experimental observations presented in FIG. 11 revealed qualitative similarity in resonance vibratory buckling behavior.
FIGS. 8a and 8b show relatively high displacements but smaller velocity range, than FIGS. 8c and 8d. For resonance, the magnitudes of displacement, velocities and acceleration rapidly grew, see FIGS. 8e-8g. These results suggested the use of resonant regimes to achieve high displacements and large dynamic forces that are proportional to acceleration and mass. Also, "acceleration vs. displacement" diagram are useful for finding regimes with maximal both dynamic force and displacement (for example, for design and dynamic analysis of pumps). The displacement jump function g(t) and driving force G(t) were taken with the same parameters as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. In the computations, the range of jump magnitudes.
FIGS. 9a-9f show displacement--time histories and phase diagrams. Compared to a small jump, the system with the same set of parameters but zero-jump exhibited vibrations symmetric with respect its initial position with symmetric phase diagrams. The system with a larger jumpy exhibited large-range displacements with higher velocities, but almost the same level of accelerations as for the case of small jump. Within the "burst", the small-jump system exhibited a large-scale vibrations about an axis that is shifted upward with respect to the initial position, while the large-jump system showed explicit separation of the two positions of equilibrium. Both displacement jump and the separated equilibrium positions are also clearly visible from the "velocity vs. displacement" and "acceleration vs. displacement" diagrams on FIGS. 8e,d.
The results of computation using SDoF model suggested that there is an optimal range of relatively small pre-deflections for piezoceramic actuator that would not damage brittle PZT layers and would generate maximal both impact forces and displacements.
The experimental setup is shown in FIG. 10. The programmable waveform synthesizer Analogic Model 2020 generated the input voltage signal in the form of 5 to 10 Hz sinusoidal or square wave consisting of 1 volt amplitude "bursts". The duration of each "burst" was 60 ms. The signal was amplified up to 156 volts and applied to axially compressed and pre-deflected PZT actuator. The actuator displacements were recorded by using the sensor OMEGA Engineering Model LD 701-1/2 and accelerations by using accelerometer Knowles Model BU3506. The accelerometer was attached to the reverse side of the actuator using double-sided tape and its output was monitored using the oscilloscope Tektronix Model 468 and a digital voltmeter to measure the root-mean-square of the output signal. Electrical and mechanical parameters of the actuator were evaluated using the impedance analyzer HP Model HP4194A.
The actuator was tuned, i.e. pre-deflected and axially compressed, and then driven into resonance. FIG. 11 shows a driving signal and a displacement vs. time curves for the PZT actuator. The driving signal is similar to that depicted in FIG. 6. The maximum displacement attained by the center of PZT actuator was approximately 1.5 mm. The asymmetry of the displacement-time history with respect to the initial position of equilibrium indicates a regime with displacement jumps similar to theoretically predicted (FIG. 8a).
Accelerometer reading of unloaded PZT actuator at various frequencies is shown in FIG. 12. The driving voltage was approximately 60Vp-p. A mechanical resonance of the actuator was achieved at 280 Hz. For an arbitrary cut off level of 20 mV, the frequency range of the PZT actuator was between 250 to 390 Hz. For these and higher frequencies, the actuator exhibited several large-force, large-displacement resonance regimes.
FIG. 13 shows the impedance spectrum of the tactor with an increasing tuning force which varies the resonant frequency. With a pre-deflection of 0.5 mm, it was observed that a transition occurs at 430 Hz. The tactor was tuned until the lowest frequency was achieved. It was observed that as the compressive loading increases, the transition moves towards a lower frequency as predicted in a mathematical model developed during the invention. However, at an even higher compressive force, the transition moves back to a higher frequency. At the lowest transition frequency, the degree of transition is larger which indicates the highest transmission of electrical energy to mechanical energy. It was also observed that the transition frequency is related to the mechanical resonance by a difference of approximately 50 Hz. Therefore, the tactor fabricated resonates at around 380 Hz.
FIG. 13 illustrates the impedance spectrum as a function of increasing both compressive force, from simply supported ends, and pre-deflection in the center of the actuator. For a 0.5 mm pre-deflection in the center, a transition was at 430 Hz that is close to the theoretical predictions. With further increase in the pre-deflection, from 0.5 to 0.7 mm, through increase in axial compression, the transition moved to a lower frequency range, similar to the trend predicted by the model of axially compressed flat plate. However, with further increase in the pre-deflection, from 0.7 to 1.1 mm, and conversion from a shallow shell configuration to a deep shell, the transition moves to higher frequencies. At low transition frequencies, the degree of transition is larger that indicates an efficient conversion of electrical energy into mechanical. It was also observed that the transition frequency is related to the mechanical resonance by a difference of about 50 Hz.
Accelerometer reading as a nonlinear function of the magnitude of driving voltage is shown in FIG. 14. Considered in this experimental work high-displacement and large-force resonance regimes usually did not cause failure of brittle PZT layers.
The electrical and vibration analysis of a novel tunable piezoceramic actuator is performed by using mathematical models and experimental techniques. The pre-compressed and pre-deflected actuator was driven by an electrical signal that is a time-harmonic current within impulsive square-type "bursts" or "windows". The actuator exhibited tunable large-force and large-displacement resonance behavior. Further studies and optimization of the actuator will need incorporating nonlinear models and mathematical tools and analyzing transient large-displacement and possibly chaotic regimes.
A rectangular PZT/steel/PZT was laminated. The two PZT layers were made of orthotropic G1195PZT material. The layer between the PZT layers was made of type 302 stainless steel.
Computations for a simply supported axially compressed laminated plate were performed. FIG. 7 depicts the influence of axial compression of the first, second and third fundamental frequencies. The intersections of the curves with the horizontal axis show values of buckling load for modes 1, 2 and 3. Minimal buckling load, 0.0019-0.0024 GPa.mm corresponds to the fundamental mode, m=1. For comparison purposes, eigen frequencies of an equivalent homogeneous plate were computed.
The use of a piezoelectric ceramic vibrating element represents a reduction of electrical power needed to drive the vibrotactor. The power consumption of the vibrotactor is estimated by computing the power requirement in charging an equivalent capacitor for the PZT material. The PZT structures that are being used in the present tactor operate at a maximum of 100V, with a capacitance of 20 nF. Assuming a driving signal having a frequency of 300 Hz and a modulation frequency of 5 Hz with a pulse width of 60 ms, then the computed power consumption is 9 mW. The low power consumption and high detectability enables the construction of a 64 element array for use in the present tactor.
Human subject test results were used to compare the PZT tactor with the Navy benchmark tactor. The experiments with the PZT tactors included tests using the tactor stimulation at the palm area and at the waist using the tactor belt.
At the conclusion of each test, the test subject was asked to provide a subjective judgment of the stimulation from the PZT tactor and the Navy benchmark tactor. Several test users reported the sensation of the PZT tactor as being "crisper" and "sharper", and the larger area and more equalized tactile feel provided deeper tactile penetration as compared with the more localized sensation provided by the benchmark tactor.
Optimization of Vibrotactile Transducer Model
A PZT palm tactor and a belt tactor were designed and developed.
A tactor belt was also fabricated to provide a sensory summation effect which increases the tactile sensation. To provide means of arranging groups of tactors into various patterns so as to determine optimum placement and physical separation, a MYLAR backing material was selected and Velcro loop material was applied. Velcro hook material was applied to individual tactors, and experiments were performed with multiple arrangements at several body sites. Once the optimum tactor arrangement was determined, the dimensions of the MYLAR backing were reduced to the minimum necessary to accommodate the arrangement.
Tactor arrangements were next secured to various body sites using a belt constructed of two layers of material. The inner layer consists of a stretch fabric such as spandex or lycra to provide maximum transmission of vibration. The outer layer consists of a stiff thick fabric with a Velcro and elastic closure. Tactor arrangements are placed between the two layers of material and held in place by tension from the elastic closure which serves to hold the arrangements firmly against the body. By constructing this belt in two layers it is possible to slide multiple tactor arrangements within the belt to assess their effectiveness at different body sites along the waist circumference.
Preliminary results have shown that the waist belt tactor provides large tactile sensation, and sensory summation effect is achievable with three PZT tactors configured in a triangular arrangement.
A series of experiments to characterize the electrical and mechanical properties of the PZT tactor were conducted. These experiments provided the specifications of the tactor fabricated. Tests on human subjects were also conducted to determine the efficiency of the transduction of information to the users or alerting the users.
To determine the electrical characteristics of the tactor system, the tactor was connected to an impedance analyzer (Hewlett-Packard Model HP4194A) and the impedance versus frequency curves were measured. The impedance versus different frequencies provides information on the electrical resonance behaviors of the tactor systems under investigation. The mechanical characteristics of the tactor system were measured through the use of the experimental setup as shown in FIG. 9. A programmable waveform synthesizer (Analogic Model 2020) was used to generate the input voltage signal. The signals were 5 to 10 Hz burst sinusoidal or square wave with 1 Volt amplitude. The duration of the burst was 60 ms. The signal was amplified by a custom built power amplifier which stepped up the input signal to a maximum of 156 volts.
The output of the amplifier was used to drive the PZT tactor. Two types of sensors were used to characterize the vibrating tactor. A displacement sensor (OMEGA Engineering Model LD 701-1/2) was used to record the displacement of the vibrating plate. An accelerometer (Knowles Model BU3506) was used to monitor the acceleration obtained by the PZT tactor. The accelerometer was attached to the back side of the tactor using double-sided tape. The output of the accelerometer was monitored either using an oscilloscope (Tektronic Model 468) or a digital voltmeter to measure the root-mean-square of the output signal.
A pilot study was conducted using human subjects to determine the feasibility of transducing information to users through the piezoelectric transducer devices. As a comparison with the benchmark tactor developed at the Naval Aeromedical Research Laboratory (NARML), this portion of human subject testing comprised psychophysical testing protocols, data collection and reporting which closely followed a manual provided by the NAMRL entitled "Tactile Advanced Technology Demonstration Program: Tactor Development Benchmark" (FRANKLIN, et al., 1995).
A benchmark prototype system was provided to ARCOVA as a standard to which the system under development is compared. The benchmark prototype consisted of a V1242 transducer (Audiological Engineering Corp., Somerville, Mass.) and an accelerometer (Knowles Model BU1771) mounted to the underside of the transducer using double-sided tape. The benchmark prototype was then mounted on a foam block to control application force.
Ten subjects, consisting of five males and five females, were involved in this pilot test. The age span of the subjects ranged from 27 to 36 years old. All subjects except one were right handed. The subject placed the left hand on the Navy benchmark tactor and the right hand on the PZT tactor with the thenar eminence of the palms contacting the tactor surfaces. The acoustic noise of the tactor devices was masked from the test user by having the user wear a sound insulating headphone. The Navy benchmark tactor was driven by a 290 Hz sinusoidal waveform with 6p-p, while the PZT tactor was driven at different applied voltages with a 360 Hz sinusoidal waveform. Both tactors were modulated ON and OFF at a frequency of 5 Hz to reduce user fatigue. Before the test, the user was given two trial tests in which the voltage to the PZT tactor increased from 20 to 100V in steps of 10V.
The human subject test involved determination of the applied voltage to the PZT tactor at which the tactile stimulation is roughly the same as the Navy benchmark tactor. Four different sequences were given to the subject, in which two sequences were in the ascending order and two sequences were in the descending order. The applied voltage level was between 20 to 100Vp-p in step of 10V. On the first sequence, the test subject was presented a level of the comparison stimulation that they judged to be less intense than the benchmark, and then a level they judged to be equal to the standard, and then more intense than the standard. In the second sequence, the stimulation intensity was reversed in a descending order. In the third sequence, the stimulation intensity was in a descending order, and the last trial was in an ascending sequence. On each trial, the subjects received a standard stimulus on the left palm followed by the comparison stimulus on the right palm. Each stimulus lasted for approximately one second, and there was at least a one second time lapse in between the benchmark stimulus and the PZT tactor stimulus. The response of the user to different tactile stimulation, which is designated as weaker, equal or stronger than the Navy benchmark tactor, was reported verbally to the test administrator.
The optimization of the PZT tactors of the invention includes evaluation of approaches to miniaturize the PZT tactor reduction in applied voltage to improve safety advanced finite elements analysis for tactor optimization device packaging for underwater operation optimization of the PZT materials. Thus a highly efficient, rugged, small size PZT tactor is shown with sufficiently large stimulus to be integrated into flight suits.
Several tactors based on lead zirconate titanate (PZT) multiple layer structures were designed and fabricated. The resulting tactors were compact, light weight, and with low power consumption. A typical PZT tactor preferably has dimensions of 3.8 cm�1.3 cm�3 mm, and weighs only 4.2 g. The small physical dimensions and light weight of the tactor fits well into flight suits.
FIG. 15 shows the palm tactor together with the amplifier.
FIG. 16 shows the waist tactors as worn on the user's waist. In preferred embodiments, the tactors may occupy about a 1.5cm3 volume, which was a result of considerations including ease of Fabrication, availability of materials, and desire for a range of experimental resonances.
FIG. 17 shows the summary response to the PZT tactor at various levels of the applied voltage. The equal stimulus curve shows a maximum at 60Vp-p which represented the level that most test subjects reported where the PZT tactor provided them equal stimulus to the Navy benchmark tactor. However, due to individual differences in tactile sensitivity, the width of the peak was wide. Generally speaking, an applied voltage of 40 to 80Vp-p or 14.1 to 28.3Vrms is considered sufficient for all test users to adequately feel the PZT when the users' palm area was used.
Miniaturization of the tactor is both strongly desirable and quite feasible. Smaller tactors allow for the assembly of highly dense matrix arrays without being bulky or uncomfortable to the wearer. Better information transfer and a greater communication bandwidth results. Tactor volume may be reduced to about lcm3 using a "single chip" design. By providing specialized fabrication facilities and a customized material, a high volume, low cost design is produced in an optimized configuration. Likewise, the associated drive electronics are also markedly miniaturized by the design and manufacture of conventional ASIC thin film micro circuits.
Although the tactor is fully enclosed and not in direct contact with the wearer's skin, it is desirable to keep the power supply voltage as low as possible. The demonstration tactors operated over an experimental range of drive voltage from 40 to 80Vp-p. Voltage reduction is accomplished by using improved materials and/or modifying the transducer structure to consist of lower voltage elements connected in parallel. Preliminary tests indicate that the parallel structure combines to provide an equivalent force as compared to the single element configuration.
An interesting by-product of the transducer mechanical motion is the generation of an audible acoustic tone. Although quite weak, that tone is undesirable for SEAL operations. It is possible to reduce the acoustic signature to acceptable levels by packaging techniques, internal phase cancellation, or absorption through a pressure equalization fluid as may be used in underwater operations.
Prediction of kinematic operating characteristics is essential for the design and optimization of electromechanical tactors. An analytical model enables theoretical comparison of different configurations including such performance factors as force, amplitudes, resonant frequencies, and harmonics. Such models were constructed and successfully utilized in this invention using differential equations which were analyzed and solved with Mathematica software.
Achieving effective optimization of the piezoceramic transducer requires that a more sophisticated finite element model be created. This type of model more accurately portrays the physical configurations in terms of trading off material properties, power inputs, structural miniaturization, frequency response, and drive voltage levels.
The tactor may play an important role in SEAL operations by serving as the communication means to provide underwater guidance information. In this role, the tactor is immersed to wet suit scuba diver depths. A different form of packaging may be provided as compared to the flight suit environment. Waterproofing and pressure equalization may be considered in the packaging approach.
Looking at the SEAL application as a unique set of functional requirements, fewer tactors are utilized and the packaging is integrated into the wet suit or an accessory belt worn internal to the wet suit. In these situations the waterproofing approach is less extensive than if the tactor was worn externally like a compass or depth gauge. For the external case, pressure equalization by sealing the tactor in a fluid such as alcohol (to minimize damping) may be provided. If worn internally, a pressure resistant hemispherical "hard shell" protects the tactor while still allowing skin contact through a thin membrane across the diameter.
Geometrical optimization refers to the arrangement of the PZT layer and its substrate. Experimental geometries have been fabricated where thin foil layers surround a piezoelement with this assembly in turn bonded to a curved (prestressed) wafer. This structure is being evaluated for micro-miniature actuators. A leader in this work is the NASA developed "thunder" material. It provides a larger output amplitude because as the element moves, the foils experience tension and vice-versa. Further, the composite laminate affords additional strength to the ceramic element by limiting the formation and propagation of cracks which lead to breakage.
One of the major concerns involving a device to be embedded within clothing is its thickness. The bimorph structure consists of thin layers of piezoceramic material and a thin center shim of stainless steel. The invention includes means to minimize or eliminate any packaging of the transducer which would add thickness, an improvement is thus made which enhances the practicality of such devices.
The bimorph structure material was processed utilizing metal stamping techniques to develop pre-compressed buckled structures. Sample dies were constructed which shortened portions of the bimorph structure by crimping with respect to other portions designed to undergo compression. Next the PZT laminated structure was placed within the die and subjected to compression. Once removed from the die, the samples displayed arched, buckled, regions which are made to snap back and forth between two steady positions with the application of little force. Such devices may be arrayed on a single large sheet of material in various arrangements, and might be fabricated utilizing combinations of metal stamping, laser processing and material deposition techniques.
Material optimization covers experiments with higher efficiency piezoelectric materials such as antimony sulpho-iodide (SbSI). These materials provide an "alloy" which is deposited on the substrate by sputtering or vacuum techniques.
The techniques described above lead to achieving a "single chip" tactor. This design provides a lower cost, smaller tactor by integrating the moving element and the support structure.
ARCOVA addressed a need to create a tactile interface for improving situational awareness for military pilots, SEAL divers, and NASA space flight crews. The problem was to create an innovative transducer (tactor) to convey information in a high workload environment through an under utilized sense-feel. ARCOVA has successfully designed, built, tested, and delivered to the Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory prototype sets of tactors for human subject evaluation in overcoming spatial disorientation. Preferred embodiments of the tactors utilize lead zirconate titanate (PZT) material to generate vibration and buckling in a compact transducer combined with spatial summation to create a response even through clothing.
One preferred embodiment consists of a waist worn belt equipped with plural, for example six, tactors that may be readily reconfigured as well as the necessary electronic control and an accessory palm box.
The piezoelectric actuator developed by American Research Corporation of Virginia is useful in a wide range of commercial applications in such diverse areas as telecommunications, transportation systems, chemical analysis, machine design and medical instrumentation. The overall market for piezoelectric actuators may be as large as $2 Billion by 2002. The use of piezoelectric actuators in camera related applications may be as high as $300 Million by 2002. Markets also exist for piezoelectric actuators in telecommunication systems. Communications alert systems (beepers) may use covert vibration-based means of eliciting the attention of the message recipient. This market is in excess of 100 Million units per year, worldwide, with average costs for the piezoelectric element of $2 each. Additional market segments are to be found in fluid control (valves and controllers) and chemical sampling and analysis application areas. The piezoelectric actuator developed of the invention is applicable to open and close flow areas, thereby controlling pressure and flow rate for chemical sensors and chemical analysis instrumentation and to provide controlled rates of gas flow for medical, industrial and agricultural applications. These market segments are expected to be as large as $150 Million by 2002 with growth to over $3 Billion by 2010.
The most direct application of the present piezoelectric actuator is for tactile arrays for situational awareness. The 64 element vest-worn array to alert pilots of spatial disorientation and the position of enemy aircraft is one of the most important applications of the invention. Haptic displays may also find increased acceptance as a means of communicating data of exceptional significance to individuals engaged in complex tasks in stressful environments.
Tactile arrays are also useful for the U.S. Navy for providing data on the position of underwater divers during complex maneuvers and to alert Navy personnel on the approach of potential enemy forces. Tactile arrays may also be used in communicating information to individual personnel in all branches of the armed services, since the tactile information channel may be used in situations where visual and audio senses are preoccupied. The tactile communications channel does not require a shift in perceptual direction and can be covert for use in situations monitored by an enemy force.
While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, modifications and variations of the invention may be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the following claims.
TABLE I__________________________________________________________________________Fundamental Frequency as a Function of Vibration Mode m and Young's Modulus EPZT when Axial Compressive Force Nx 0 = 0, in Flat Plate and Equivalent Straight Beam. mode 1 mode 2 mode 3 EPZT = 49 GPa EPZT = 63 GPa EPZT = 49 GPa EPZT = 63 GPa EPZT = 49 GPa EPZT = 63 GPa__________________________________________________________________________Flat Plate 331 Hz 370 Hz 1326 Hz 1480 Hz 2984 Hz 3330 Hz Straight Beam 430 Hz 450 Hz 1722 Hz 1800 Hz 3875 Hz 4050 Hz__________________________________________________________________________
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U.S. Auto Sales Accelerate To Pre-Recession Levels
By editor
Originally published on Thu September 5, 2013 4:58 am
NPR's business news starts with car sales accelerating.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that buyers picked up new vehicles at a pace not seen since before the recession. According to the paper, Americans bought 1.5 million vehicles last month - about 17 percent up from a year ago. Low interest rates and continued job growth were primary drivers. Automakers have added work shifts and production capacity to keep up with demand. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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Every Liverpool fan will have a favourite Merseyside derby memory from down the decades and at Liverpoolfc.com we have put together our favourite 10.
For those who missed the Wembley cup finals of the 1980s, Gary Mac's stunner at Goodison Park in 2001 might be the stand-out memory.
Younger fans might point to Andy Carroll out-leaping the Blues' back-four to nod the Reds into the FA Cup final at Wembley earlier this year as their most joyful experience.
Those of an older vintage might well recall the sight of super-sub David Fairclough blazing a trail through the heart of the Everton defence to smash home a late, late winner at Anfield in 1976.
While others might be tempted to go even further back, to the day in 1970 when Bill Shankly's Reds trailed their neighbours by two goals with half an hour left and something magical happened.
A panel of Liverpoolfc.com staff got together to try and whittle down, and then put into order, our favourite 10 Merseyside derby memories.
It wasn't easy and we've had to omit some classic encounters but click the link below to count down our selection and click on the pictures to view a piece of footage from each game.
Tagged: derby memories , everton , kop 10
Submit your views in the box below. Alternatively, you can debate these issues with fellow fans on our Message Boards or blog about them on The Kop
The views expressed here are not those of Liverpool Football Club (read more)


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Each year around Independence Day, the beautiful city of New Orleans hosts the heralded Essence Music Festival, featuring today's top R and B, soul and gospel artists. For three days and three nights, NOLA is overrun by music fans and local residents who delight in EMF's Superlounges, Empowerment panels, block party and evening concert series in the Superdome, and this year, VH1 is packing our bags to join in on the action.
That's right! Starting tomorrow, we'll be on the ground of EMF 2012 with the cast of Single Ladies – Denise Vasi, LisaRaye McCoy, Charity Shea, DB Woodside, and Terrell Tilford – keeping you up to date as the stars take over the city and make their way through the weekend's festivities. With artists like Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz, Aretha Franklin and Fantasia performing, you'll definitely want to keep it locked with us as we keep you informed of the festival's most juicy updates.
If you're heading down to New Orleans or just want to be synched-up with the play-by-play of the Single Ladies cast and their #ESSENCEFest updates, follow us on Instagram (@vh1), Twitter (@VH1Music, @VH1 Soul, @VH1PR) and of course, check back here to get all the exclusive info you can feast your eyes on. Will the LisaRaye and Denise be partying at Kevin Hart's exclusive birthday party, will DB and Terrell really let us know What Men Want, and will D'Angelo's first full set in years wow them all? Only time will tell!


text: Intussusception is suspected if the child has experienced sudden, severe abdominal pain, blood and mucous in the stool, and vomiting. Abdominal X-rays are usually taken to confirm the diagnosis. A barium enema may be used for diagnosis. Barium, a heavy, radio-opaque dye, is administered through the rectum, fills the bowel, and allows for visualization of the bowel by x-rays. This procedure is sometimes successful in correcting the problem- the weight of the barium itself in the bowel frequently reduces the telescoped bowel. If intussusception is diagnosed and not corrected by barium enema, surgery is necessary IMMEDIATELY to prevent complications such as obstruction, gangrenous bowel and peritonitis.


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Museum honors surviving D-Day vets
There are only a few left alive who, 70 years ago, braved certain death on a beach in a foreign land.
D-Day was a brilliant military tactic and an enormous risk.
"To me, no other event will ever eclipse what was accomplished that day," Jerry Kocsis said. He stood in a room in the Museum of the Waxhaws that was filled floor to ceiling with World War II memorabilia. Around him, WWII veterans described to transfixed listeners the day that turned the tides of a world-encompassing conflict.
Saturday was spent thanking the soldiers who were willing to sacrifice everything on arguably the most famous day in military history. Veterans from all wars gathered at the museum. Young and old shook veterans' hands and thanked them for their service.
Kocsis was just a child when his two uncles shipped off to Europe. A scrapbook he had on display at Saturday's even featured several photos of him with the uncle who participated in the taking of Normandy.
But his interest spans all of the war. Kocsis provided his collection of memorabilia for Saturday's event, including models of land-, air- and sea-craft used by the Allies.
Local historian Jack Clay provided pieces from his extensive collection of items related to Camp Sutton, the army training camp opened in Monroe in 1942. Nearly 20,000 soldiers passed through Sutton before joining the war in Europe and the Pacific.
The term "D-Day" is actually a general term meaning the day of an invasion. But since June 6, 1944, D-Day has become synonymous with the Invasion of Normandy.
Operation Neptune. Omaha, Juno, Gold, Utah and Sword Beach. It was the largest ocean-borne invasion in the world's history. Almost 7,000 vessels from eight navies carried roughly 160,000 soldiers across the English Channel in a surprise attack. Another 24,000 Allied soldiers parachuted into France early that morning.
When they landed, Allied soldiers fought their way onto beaches riddled with mines, barbed wire and wooden stakes. Anti-tank obstacles, buried mines, traps and fortified gun emplacements made progress up the beach deadly. Thousands of men died within minutes of landing.
But the Allies overrun the relatively weak German defenses. Men, tanks and planes went from there to liberate France and capture Axis forces in Germany.
American soldiers were greeted as heros in France and England. Kocsis flipped though page after page of photographs of his uncle in small French towns.
"When he went over there, the Army put him up in English homes," Kocsis said. "He lived with a family until the invasion. After the war, that family traveled here twice to visit him. That's how close they became."
Veteran Walter Schmidt drove from his home in Lancaster, S.C., to the Waxhaw D-Day event. As the son of two German immigrants, he had a unique perspective of World War II. After losing the Great War, the German people were tasked with paying reparations for the conflict. Adolph Hitler rose to power by promising a better future. While some Germans followed him, others turned away from the Nazi party.
"He was a politician and he offered the people a way out," Schmidt said. "And in the beginning, he gave them that."
Schmidt's family left the county when the government began drafting Germans into mandatory military service.
"My father was a certified carpenter, both in Germany and in the U.S. When he came here, he did work on the military's glider project," he said.
Family members back in Germany reported more stringent rationing and restrictions as the war continued.
Technology, transportation and communication took a giant step forward during WWII. Outside the museum, WWII re-enactors staged an Allied camp with its mix of weapons considered high tech at the time and the kind of medical equipment and treatment reminiscent of earlier wars.
Staging encampments and military exercises brings the experience to life, re-enactor John Beasley said.
"The seeds were sown back when I was just a kid. I went to something like this event and learned about World War II," Beasley said. "That interest grew until I joined others who enjoy doing this too. We're from all over the state. We come together to talk about history and teach others about it."


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As an American male who has long-since been desensitized to the likes of Two Girls, One Cup, I think it's safe to say there is very little taboo in this age. You can be a sexual deviant and be a mega-star. You can be a child predator and still wind up making it big on MSNBC.
There's no doubt that it's a very sexy time to be alive. Aging hippies will talk of free love, fucking in trees and bushes, in public, on the steps of Congress. The young generation boasts about the blowjob they received behind a Wawa, or Denny's. This is the same generation that brought us sexting (underage sexual text messages and pictures) which the media will claim as child pornography…but shouldn't it be acceptable for sharing between consenting young adults?
The truth is that in the hands of the wrong people, something with convoluted sexuality (like "sexting") may have the potential to be dangerous. But for the harmless, law-abiding, sexual creature, whatever doesn't fuck you can only make you harder. This is a guide to those elements of sexuality and weirdness that put one over that thin red line that divides the objectively kinky from the universally creepy.
Analloeroticism (Asexuality)—You should never trust people who voluntarily detach themselves from sex; especially because any reasoning they give is complete horse shit. Whether it be spirituality, intellect, or a complete lack of passion, human beings who consider themselves "asexual" usually end up being deviant monsters whose inevitable life-long repression finds a way to rear its ugly head.
(Runners up: Agalmatophilia, Acne, According to Jim)
Bible, The—There are countless groups attempting to promote the idea that the biblical definitions of sex and relationships are the end-all-be-all. Some consider sex to be a spiritual or religious experience, and that's fine. But there's nothing sexy about basing your fucking on a ridiculous ancient text…unless it's the Kama Sutra, in which case…you probably shouldn't try.
(Runners up: B/O, Balloon Fetish, Burn Victims, Being Raped By Mike Tyson, Bobby Jindal)
Coprophilia–Poop, scat, feces, diarrhea…these things should never be sexually gratifying in any way. Let's say, just for the sake of argument, you decide it might be kinky to take a shit on your lover's chest. You both agree (because you're both fucking stupid) and you go for it. It's all well and good until you realize you're taking a shit on someone and that shit is going to have to be cleaned up. By you. If you have to shit during sex, you probably shouldn't be having sex.
(Runners up: Cock rings, Cannibalism, Crabs, Craigslist)
Douchebags–While this seems like a somewhat unfair choice (because I'm subjectively defining the term), I think it's an accurate representation. By definition the term has a negative connotation, but it can refer to almost anyone. Unfortunately, a douchebag can be sexy…but you'll soon find that you've made a terrible, terrible mistake.
(Runners up: Dendrophilia, Dominos Pizza, Dave Coulier)
Erotophonophilia–There's nothing wrong with a little violence to get your rocks off, but when it turns into getting sexually excited by murder, you just become psychofuck serial killer. Thank christ that we have psychologists and psychoanalysts who spend their lives coming up with scientific names for these mental disorders, or we wouldn't know it as erotophonophilia. We'd simply know it as "Daddy masturbates to the History Channel."
(Runners up: Eels, Edible Panties, Enemas, Eugene Levy)
Frotteurism–Sexual pleasure from strangers is fine (in fact, it is possibly the basis of all porn); however, this particular "ism" refers to the sexual excitement that comes from casually rubbing against strangers; i.e. that guy who tried to get by you on the train was, in fact, creaming his jeans as he touched your soft white shoulder.
(Runners up: Formicophilia, Facebook Creepers, Futanari, Furries, Fish Fucking)
Guro–Possibly the most violent and bizarre form of hentai (comic pornography), Guro blows my mind. The genre has a reputation of involving the most disgustingly violent forms of sex (i.e. rape, skull-fucking, horrorporn). Am I not hip, or is that wholly un-sexy? Guro is certainly interesting to peruse. It can be quite psychological and strange…but it's still…totally…not sexy.
(Runners up: Girls Gone Wild, Ghosts, Grover Bodies, Gary Busey, Gap Kids)
Horoscopes–If a chick asks you what your Astrological sign is, don't get involved. If a guy asks you what your Astrological sign is, he's probably probably retarded…or incredibly bright, depending on how you look at it…but he is taking a huge risk. People who gauge their lives based on a random blurb in the newspaper have monumentally unattractive personalities and dependence issues.
(Runners up: Hebephilia, Hairyness, Harry Potter, Hooters)
Intellectual Laziness—Is there any bigger turn-off than stupidity? Maybe Lip Hair…yes. Lip hair would be a bigger turn-off. But, look…there's no problem with not being the brightest crayon in the box, but the desire to grow has to be there. In guys and gals, if you're a dummy, you're a dummy; but if you sit there and drool while someone is trying to explain something to you, you're either medically retarded, or you're a Creationist.
(Runners Up: Infantophilia, IUD, IHOP, Idealism, Islam, IKEA Furniture)
Juicy Shorts–On a nice ass, it doesn't matter what the logo says. "Oh, Juicy ass? Okay, why not?" But most perceptions of a "juicy" ass are extremely negative. The worst thing about the whole "juicy" craze is that no one whose ass you could comfortably call "juicy" wears the fucking shorts. They're always either worn by 12-year olds or the morbidly obese. False Advertising.
(Runners Up: Jon and Kate Plus 8, Jedi, Japanese Porn)
Kilts (on men)–Scotland's exports to the United States are all things that it has become necessary to re-gift…or just throw away. Their food isn't food. Golf is one of the most boring activities one can engage in and still claim to be having "fun" (aside from bowling). And men wearing knee-skirts seems evil and wrong. When waitresses at Scottish bars wear kilts, it's fresh and exciting, like a schoolgirl that you wouldn't go to prison for fucking. An attractive man wearing a kilt might as well be living in a cave. An unattractive man wearing a kilt is probably Scottish.
(Runners Up: Klismaphilia, Kohl's, Keith Richards, Kat Von D, Karaoke, Kafka)
Learning Yoga–I'd like to think that all of those able-bodied people who can actually do yoga are just born with that talent. I can't even touch my fucking toes and these people are turning their bodies into soft pretzels. The practice of yoga is absolutely sexy; but the jackasses who think they can move their body like that when they haven't even stretched since High School gym class need to think twice.
(Runners Up: Lactaphilia, Lil Wayne, Love Stories, Lane Bryant)
Masking–Possibly the most unnerving and unsettling sexual fetish is "masking." I can appreciate the concepts of role play, costumes, and even latex/rubber fetishes (but what's the point?); however, the concept of "masking" takes this all a step further. Maskers are men who make human female "skin outfits" out of latex and wear them around as if they are in a woman's body. It's like…EXTREME CROSS-DRESSING. It verges way-too-close to House of 1000 Corpses for me to find sexually appealing. But then again, I'm not a cross-dresser…or a psychotic.
(Runners Up: Menophilia, Mucophilia, MySpace, Mall Cops, Mahjong, Moustaches, Milk)
Nihilists–There's something to be said about individuals who stand by the non-existence of morality and law. Nihilists believe in nothing, and while–as an atheist–I have a certain admiration for disbelievers, there is very little that can be considered attractive about these people. Sure, you'll meet your artsy guy or gal who claims to be a nihilist; but you'll soon find that they are an a dark abyss where personality and sexuality are fucking extinct.
(Runners Up: NASCAR, Nickelodeon, Nation Geographic, Needledicks, Necrophilia)
Obesity–Allow me to clarify that, for the record, there is nothing wrong with fat-bottomed girls. You don't need to be skinny to be sexy. Classical artists painted heavyset women for ages…plump chicks wearing velvet, eating apples in the Garden of Eden, chugging wine like it's 1509. I'll leave it at this: you never see Michelangelo's portraits of 300+ pound women washing themselves with rags on sticks and being carried out of their homes through a truck-sized hole in the wall.
(Runners Up: Olive Garden, Octomom, Occult)
Plushophilia–Although I've already mentioned "Furries" as a 'Runner Up,' I felt obligated to give them the recognition they so richly deserve. A physical attraction to stuffed animals is only magnified when it is embodied by lovers in mascot costumes. If you've ever had sex with a girl who was laughing at you the whole time, imagine the feeling of looking down at a googly-eyed hippopotamus (or some shit) staring up at your with a shit-eating grin on its face. Now that's a boner-killer.
(Runners Up: Pedophilia–obviously, Prom, Poop, Pottery Barn, PBS Kids)
Quagmires (sexual)–Many stories have been told about the unpleasantness of first-time sex. It is known as being bumbling, staggering, messy, and–one way or another–it's over far too fast. Of course this is a generalization made by a vast majority who are sexually awkward the first time they fuck. This is an excusable quagmire. After you've had a considerable level of experience, these sexual blunders only become acceptable if you get 'camera-shy.'
(Runners Up: QVC, Queans, Querimonies, Quaternitarians, Questioning the legitimacy of this list)–yeah, look those up, bitches.
Reenactors–There's nothing wrong with being a history buff. Being interested in anything that much is totally hot; but when it takes over your personality to the point that you become a character in a recurring story, you've drained yourself of that appeal. This goes mainly for men. Ladies, if you can pull off some sexy cosplay, go for it! Guys, isn't that enough?
(Runners Up: Rush Limbaugh, Radio Shack, Religion, Reparations)
Symphorophilia–While I'm trying to stay away from criticizing paraphilia that others may hold dear, there are some which–if you dohold them dear–there's something deeply and disturbingly wrong with you. Symphorophilia refers to the sexual attraction one would (but shouldn't) receive from witnessing a horrible disaster, such as a plane crash or…holocaust. It goes beyond sadism. It's driving past a car accident on the side of the road, checking it out, and getting a boner. Sexy enough for ya?
(Runners Up: Space Camp, Sex Offenders, Sesame Street, Sheep, Shingles)
Trichophilia–Evidently, it's extremely rare (percentage-wise) for women to experience paraphilia. That's not to say that women have no interest in the evils of fetishism; however, the ratio of guys to gals who get freaky is way-skewed. For this one, I think it could easily go either way. Remember the days when being "shaved" was an extreme sexual rarity? Now fucking everyone goes hairless–or mostly hairless–and the world is much better for it. Who needs those freaks who live in the past? And who wants to be picking pubes out of their teeth?
(Runners Up: Twilight, Two and a Half Men, Titty-hugs from titless strippers)
Ursusagalmatophilia–Having already mentioned the Furries, I don't feel the need to go too far in depth with this one. Ursusa-whatthefuck-philia is the sexual attraction one might–or might not–have towards a Teddy Bear. But to be fair, who can resist their button-eyes, unassuming expressions, and the empty soulless feeling you get from sticking your dick in a hollowed out Teddy Bear?
(Runners Up: Ugg Boots, Unemployment, UK Basketball)
Vorarephilia–There are individuals who exist (yes, they exist) who don't enjoy being eaten out. Whether it be ass or vajazz…some don't like performing or receiving. Now, if you don't like it, you don't like it…but what if I tried to sell you this…(allow me to play Billy Mays for a moment) 'Hi Billy Mays here for being eaten alive! Are you a human being who dreams of being a helpless rodent, devoured whole by a massive python?! Well with my new product, Vore-be-gone, you can experience the sensation of being eaten and digested by another living thing, without leaving your living room!' What the fuck is wrong with you people?!
(Runners Up: Vampirism, Vulcans, Video Diaries, Vitamin Enthusiasts)
Wizard Porn—Harry Potter has suffered an onslaught of fan fiction horseshit. It's not surprising, it's just unnerving. Why is it that out of all the teenage angst and sexual tension in those Harry Potter books/movies, aspiring uber-nerds spend their time scribing the homosexual adventures of Potter and Malfoy–or Potter and that annoying ginger kid? There are plenty of chicks in the picture…and Hermione's getting kinda hot, so why not? Of course, if you really think about it…even straight wizard sex is kinda gay.
(Runners Up: Words of Wisdom, Wigs, Whinging, WalMart, World of Warcraft)
Xanga-When horny old men aren't trolling MySpace, Facebook, or Twitter for fresh meat, they use Xanga…so it's probably safe to say that there are hardly any horny old men on Xanga. But, for the purposes of this "X," let's assume that there are. What better way to scope out under-age girls with low self esteem? Their parents don't understand them and their friends are all bitches. You're the only one who really understands her…so why not? Some guys get off on girls' desperation…but, those guys are all still in college. We've moved on.
(Runners Up: Xenophobia, Xanex)
Yard Art–Also called "Lawn Ornaments" or "Lawn Decor," Yard Art is truly a sign of the sexually repressed and artistically retarded. Discovering a pink flamingo, garden gnome, wooden windmill, or crudely painted-not-so-funny-plywood-cutout-folk-art sticking out of your neighbor's obsessively manipulated green grass is a sure sign that they're probably in the business of enslaving children.
(Runners Up: YMCA Creeper Swim)
Zoophilia–We've had a lot of fun here today, but there's nothing funny about fucking a horse…okay, there's something funny about fucking a horse–especially if you do it more than once, with the same horse…like this guy. Beastiality is possibly the most intense form of animal adoration out there. Beat that, PeTA! It takes the term "dog lover" to a whole new level…truly man's best friend.
On the other side of this is Zoosadism, a runner-up for this entry…which is essentially the thrill of seeing animals in pain. Also, this means if you're pissed off at Michael Vick, you should probably also be against hunting, fishing, bull fighting, horse racing, and any other "sport" that provides us with a fun and exciting way to say "fuck you" to animals…without actually fucking them.
(Runners Up: Zoosadism, Zodiac Signs, Zeitgeist)
I'd like to believe that this guide will be helpful to anyone who had to ask themselves the self-depreciating question, "Should I be masturbating to this?" It's an important question to ask before risking feeling completely miserable with guilt for the rest of your day life. If any of you have any disagreements, Runners Up, or changes you feel could be made to this very important document, please don't hesitate to voice your opinion. It can be changed. It's a living document…
(return to MAIN PAGE)


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Like many pioneering systems, Waterhouse's original design wasn't entirely successful and it has undergone several modifications.
In 1940, during World War II, a gallery in the Museum was hit by two incendiaries and an oil bomb. Waterhouse's natural air-flow system actually helped feed the fire. The rest of the building remained unaffected, thanks to number of his other building features such as strong mahogany doors and fireproof walls.
Fortunately, the majority of botanical specimens were saved by staff on fire watch that night. The roof of the bombed gallery was repaired and the area now houses the Cryptogamic Herbarium and botany laboratories.