Abstract: A teleoperator system with telepresence is shown which includes right and left hand controllers (72R and 72L) for control of right and left manipulators (24R and 24L) through use of a servomechanism that includes computer (42). Cameras (46R and 46L) view workspace (30) from different angles for production of stereoscopic signal outputs at lines (48R and 48L). In response to the camera outputs a 3-dimensional top-to-bottom inverted image (30I) is produced which, is reflected by mirror (66) toward the eyes of operator (18). A virtual image (30V) is produced adjacent control arms (76R and 76L) which is viewed by operator (18) looking in the direction of the control arms. By locating the workspace image (30V) adjacent the control arms (76R and 76L) the operator is provided with a sense that end effectors (40R and 40L) carried by manipulator arms (34R and 34L) and control arms (76R and 76L) are substantially integral.

Abstract: A teleoperator system with telepresence is shown which includes right and left hand controllers (72R and 72L) for control of right and left manipulators (24R and 24L) through use of a servomechanism that includes computer (42). Cameras (46R and 46L) view workspace (30) from different angles for production of stereoscopic signal outputs at lines (48R and 48L). In response to the camera outputs a 3-dimensional top-to-bottom inverted image (301) is produced which, is reflected by mirror (66) toward the eyes of operator (18). A virtual image (30V) is produced adjacent control arms (76R and 76L) which is viewed by operator (18) looking in the direction of the control arms. By locating the workspace image (30V) adjacent the control arms (76R and 76L) the operator is provided with a sense that end effectors (40R and 40L) carried by manipulator arms (34R and 34L) and control arms (76R and 76L) are substantially integral.

Abstract: There is provided a self-supporting energy absorbing composite comprising: i) a solid foamed synthetic polymer matrix; ii) a polymer-based dilatant, different from i) distributed through the matrix and incorporated therein during manufacture of i); and iii) a fluid distributed through the matrix, the combination of matrix, dilatant and fluid being Such that the composite is resiliently compressible. There is also provided a self-supporting energy absorbing composite comprising: iv) a solid, closed cell foam matrix; v) a polymer-based dilatant, different from i), distributed through the matrix; and vi) a fluid distributed through the matrix, the combination of matrix, dilatant and fluid being such that the composite is resiliently compressible.

Abstract: A sterilant-disinfectant solution which may be used in the cleaning of metallic objects, particularly medical instruments. Medical instruments, which may included brass, copper, aluminium, stainless steel, carbon steel or plastic parts are sterilized or disinfected in an anti-microbial solution. The solution includes a triazole or other component for inhibiting the corrosion of copper or brass. Phosphates or other buffering agents adjust the solution pH in order to prevent the corrosion of steel. Molybdates or analogous compounds may be used to buffer the pH and have been found to inhibit the corrosion of aluminium by oxidizing agents. A sequestering agent is preferably provided for inhibiting hard water precipitation.

Abstract: A sterilant-disinfectant solution which may be used in the cleaning of metallic objects, particularly medical instruments. Medical instruments, which may include brass, copper, aluminium, stainless steel, carbon steel or plastic parts are sterilized or disinfected in an anti-microbial solution. The solution includes a triazole or other component for inhibiting the corrosion of copper and brass. Phosphates or other buffering agents adjust the solution pH in order to prevent the corrosion of steel. Molybdates or analogous compounds may be used to buffer the pH and have been found to inhibit the corrosion of aluminium by oxidizing agents. A sequestering agent is preferably provided for inhibiting hard water precipitation.

Abstract: A radiator cap having an integral sacrificial anode inhibits corrosion of metal within the radiator. The radiator cap is placed on the opening of the radiator thereby immersing the sacrificial anode in coolant fluid contained within the radiator. The sacrificial anode is preferentially oxidized, thus providing cathodic protection. The radiator cap is easily removable and allows efficient monitoring of the condition of the sacrificial anode. When the sacrificial anode is depleted it is easily replaced to provide a fresh sacrificial anode.

Abstract: A method for the topical or percutaneous administration of a cosmetic or pharmaceutically active substance involves applying an electric current to an area of the skin, ceasing to apply the electric current to this area of the skin and then applying an active substance to at least a part of this area of the skin in the absence of an electric current being applied thereto.

Abstract: A portable pad including a primary pad section and secondary pad sections defining an indentation for receiving a vehicle tire with the secondary pad sections adapted to be disposed on opposite sides of the tire.

Abstract: In a method of making non-woven fibrous material such as paper, the papermaking stock as it is being delivered to the foraminous support of a papermaking machine has air under pressure introduced into it to produce foaming of the stock and the stock is subjected to turbulence. This is effected by providing the head-box of the papermaking machine with a slice the body of which includes a slot through which the stock flows to the foraminous support and which is shaped to impart turbulence to the stock. The body also includes an air supply passage which communicates with the slot to introduce the pressurised air into the stock.