Showing papers on "Paddle published in 2014"

Paddle: highly deformable mobile devices with physical controls

Abstract: Paddle is a highly deformable mobile device that leverages engineering principles from the design of the Rubik's Magic, a folding plate puzzle. The various transformations supported by Paddle bridges the gap between differently sized mobile devices available nowadays, such as phones, armbands, tablets and game controllers. Besides this, Paddle can be transformed to different physical controls in only a few steps, such as peeking options, a ring to scroll through lists and a book-like form factor to leaf through pages. These special-purpose physical controls have the advantage of providing clear physical affordances and exploiting people's innate abilities for manipulating objects in the real world. We investigated the benefits of these interaction techniques in detail in [1]. In contrast to traditional touch screens, physical controls are usually less flexible and therefore less suitable for mobile settings. Paddle, shows how mobile devices can be designed to bring physical controls to mobile devices and thus combine the flexibility of touch screens with the physical qualities that real world controls provide. Our current prototype is tracked with an optical tracking system and uses a projector to provide visual output. In the future, we envision devices similar to Paddle that are entirely self-contained, using tiny integrated displays.

Full-automatic mechanical aquatic plant cleaning boat for river crab aquaculture

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical aquatic plant cleaning boat, in particular to a full-automatic mechanical aquatic plant cleaning boat for river crab aquaculture. The full-automatic mechanical aquatic plant cleaning boat comprises a mower in front of a nose, an aquatic plant storage device at the bottom of the nose and an automatic bait casting machine at a stern. A power device and a central controller are disposed in front of the bait casting machine, the power device is positioned below the central controller, and paddle wheel propellers are arranged on two sides of a boat body in front of the central controller and the power device. The mower is connected with a mower fixing rack which is fixed to the nose. Compared with a normal aquatic plant cleaning boat, the full-automatic mechanical aquatic plant cleaning boat has the advantages that moving power is provided by the paddle wheel propellers consisting of brushless direct-current motor combination speed reducers and paddle wheels, so that the boat is environment friendly and free of pollution, and trajectory tracking, autonomous navigation and unmanned control are realized.

Reconstruction of large mandibulofacial defects with the composed double skin paddle fibula free flap: a review of 32 procedures.

Abstract: Objectives/Hypothesis The purpose of this study was to analyze our experience with the composed double skin paddle fibula free flap to reconstruct large mandibulofacial defects. Study Design Between 2006 and 2011, a total of 32 composed double skin paddle fibula free flap procedures were performed on 32 patients (mean age 54.4 ± 9.7 years, mean follow-up period of 3.4 ± 1.7 years). Methods A chart review was drawn up to determine the type of defects covered by each skin paddle, the vascular anatomy, the origin of the perforators, and any associated complications. Results The distal septocutaneous skin paddle (Nakajima type B) was used for the reconstruction of the floor of the mouth in most cases. The proximal paddle (Nakajima type D) was used for base of the tongue, mobile tongue, soft palate, internal cheek, inferior lip, and the skin of the chin and neck. The lateral soleus pedicle arose from the fibular pedicle in 28 cases and directly from the tibial-fibular trunk in four cases. There were two partial soleus skin paddle losses. Seven complications required revision surgery: due to a cervical abscess in two cases, due to a hematoma in two cases, due to a disunion of the second skin paddle leading to an orostoma in two cases, and due to an exposition of the osteosynthesis material in one case. Conclusion In large mandibulofacial defects, a second skin paddle raised on the soleus perforators may be of benefit when reconstructing the soft palate, neck, cheek, or tongue as the length of its pedicle renders a second free flap unnecessary. Level of Evidence IV. Laryngoscope, 124:1336–1343, 2014

Evaluation of power consumption of paddle wheel in an open raceway pond

Abstract: Open raceway ponds are widely adopted in microalgae cultivation. Paddle wheels consume the most part of power during the process of cultivation in open raceway ponds. The configuration of blades directly determines power consumption for paddle wheels. In this work, power consumption of four blades configurations was determined in a bench-scale open raceway pond of 2.2 m(2). The effect of blades configuration, the influence of filling levels from 5 to 15 cm and influence of rotational speeds from 7 to 15 r min(-1) on shaft power consumption (P(S)), fluid velocity (U(c)) and paddle wheel efficiency (η) was investigated. Results demonstrated that flat blades were the most efficient configuration. Higher culture depth led to larger U(c), more P(s) and larger η, especially when blades were not totally immerged in water. Under the same filling level and rotational speed, the value of P(S) decreases in the order: zigzagged, flat, forward-curved and back-curved, respectively. The zigzagged blades led to a larger U(c) at the culture depth of 5 cm, while flat and forward-curved blades drove a larger U(c) when culture depth was higher than 5 cm. The maximum value of η was 0.50 with flat blades at 11 r min(-1) and 15 cm of culture depth. Empirical correlations of non-dimensional numbers related to operation parameters and blades geometry for four paddle wheel blades were also proposed.

Paddle Exercise Apparatus

Abstract: A paddle exercise apparatus includes a rod, a handle, and a weight member. The a rod includes first and second ends and is configured for grasping by a first hand of a user at a location between the first and second ends. The handle is positioned at the first end of the rod and is configured for grasping by a second hand of the user. The weight member is mounted to the rod and adjustably positioned between the first and second ends of the rod to alter a resistance of the paddle exercise apparatus when the user moves the paddle exercise apparatus through a paddling motion.

Electrical contacts to motors in dual stage actuated suspensions

Abstract: Various embodiments concern a dual stage actuation flexure having a motor contact paddle for connecting to a terminal of a piezoelectric motor. The flexure comprises a paddle having a top side and a bottom side, the paddle comprising at least one void, each void extending through the paddle from the bottom side to the top side. The paddle further comprises a stainless steel base, a conductor comprising a layer of metal, and a dielectric layer having a first section and a second section, the first section positioned between the conductor and the stainless steel base to overlap the stainless steel base and the second section extending beyond the stainless steel base to not overlap the stainless steel base. The bottom side of the paddle is configured to connect to the terminal with electrically conductive adhesive.

Alternating paddle mechanism for pool cleaner

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a paddle wheel mechanism for a pool cleaner. The paddle wheel mechanism includes a housing with an internal flow area, a paddle wheel shaft supported by the housing, and a paddle wheel supported by the paddle wheel shaft. The paddle wheel includes a base extending along a base width and a plurality of paddle wheel blades extending from the base within the internal flow area.

Lead anchor with pivotable paddles and systems and methods using the lead anchor

Abstract: A lead anchor includes a first paddle assembly and a flexible housing. The first paddle assembly includes an assembly housing, an actuator, and at least one pivotable paddle attached to the housing and operably coupled to the actuator. The at least one pivotable paddle is suitably arranged to pivot out of the assembly housing when a user operates the actuator. The lead anchor also includes a flexible housing disposed around the first paddle assembly and defining at least one lead lumen extending adjacent to the first paddle assembly so that the at least one pivotable paddle pivots into a one of the at least one lead lumen to constrain any lead disposed within the one of the at least one lead lumen.

Design and characterization of a haptic paddle for dynamics education

Abstract: A single axis force feedback device known as a haptic paddle has been implemented as a teaching tool at several universities with different designs and emphases. Presented here is a low-cost haptic paddle design that increases the ease with which students can assemble and perform virtual environment experiments over that of previously presented designs, without decreasing the haptic performance below acceptable levels. We present a frequency domain system identification and Z-Width performance characterization of the new design alongside a comparison to the previous Rice University haptic paddle design. Lastly, we discuss the benefits of new real-time hardware, an easy-to-use Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), implemented with the haptic paddle.

Extra patient movement during mammographic imaging: an experimental study.

Abstract: Objective:To determine if movement external to the patient occurring during mammography may be a source of image blur.Methods:Four mammography machines with eight flexible and eight fixed paddles were evaluated. In the first stage, movement at the paddle was measured mechanically using two calibrated linear potentiometers. A deformable breast phantom was used to mimic a female breast. For each paddle, the movement in millimetres and change in compression force in Newton was recorded at 0.5- and 1-s intervals, respectively, for 40 s with the phantom in an initially compressed state under a load of 80 N. In the second stage, clinical audit on 28 females was conducted on one mammography machine with the 18 × 24- and 24 × 29-cm flexible paddles.Results:Movement at the paddle followed an exponential decay with a settling period of approximately 40 s. The compression force readings for both fixed and flexible paddles decreased exponentially with time, while fixed paddles had a larger drop in compression force t...

Reverse stirring mixing machine

Abstract: The utility model relates to the field of processing, and in particular relates to a reverse stirring mixing machine The reverse stirring mixing machine comprises a rack, a motor, a shell, a stirring barrel and a stirring paddle, wherein the motor is fixed on the rack; the shell is arranged on the rack; the stirring barrel is positioned inside the shell; the stirring paddle is positioned inside the stirring barrel; the stirring barrel is fixed on a stirring barrel shaft; the stirring paddle is fixed on the stirring paddle shaft; a barrel cover is arranged on the stirring barrel; the motor is a double-output shaft motor; the upper end shaft extension end of the motor is in transmission connection with the stirring paddle shaft through a first transmission belt, and the lower end shaft extension end of the motor is connected with a middle rotating shaft through a second transmission belt; a first gear is fixed on the middle rotating shaft; a second gear is fixed on the stirring barrel shaft; the first gear and the second gear are engaged with each other When the stirring mixing machine works, the rotating directions of the stirring paddle and the stirring barrel are opposite, and thus materials are mixed relatively uniformly; moreover, the stirring mixing machine is simple and compact in structure, small in occupying area and convenient to carry

High-pressure high-temperature liquid viscosity measuring device and method

Abstract: The invention discloses a high-pressure high-temperature liquid viscosity measuring device and method. The measuring device comprises a high-pressure high-temperature system and a measuring system, wherein the measuring system comprises a driving motor, a torque sensor, a driving magnetic barrel, an induced magnetism barrel, a rotating shaft and a stirring paddle; one end of the torque sensor is connected with the driving motor, the other end of the torque sensor is connected with the driving magnetic barrel, and the driving magnetic barrel rotates along the torque sensor; the induced magnetism barrel is positioned in the driving magnetic barrel and can rotate along the driving magnetic barrel under the magnetic action; one end of the rotating shaft is connected with one end, which is far from the torque sensor, of the induced magnetism barrel, the other end of the rotating shaft is connected with the stirring paddle, and a part of the rotating shaft is positioned in the high-pressure high-temperature system; the stirring paddle is positioned in the high-pressure high-temperature system, and the stirring paddle comprises multiple blades which are symmetrically arranged around the rotating shaft. The measuring device provided by the invention can accurately detect the liquid viscosity under a high-pressure high-temperature condition.

Kayak blade–hull interactions: A body force approach for self-propelled simulations

Abstract: A sprint kayak experiences an unsteady flow regime due to the local influence of the paddle. However, kayak designs are usually optimised for steady-state, naked hull resistance. To determine whether unsteady paddle effects need to be included in kayak design, the hydrodynamic interactions between a kayak paddle and a hull are assessed using computational fluid dynamics. A body force model of a drag-based paddle stroke is developed using a blade element approach and validated against experimental data. This allows the paddle-induced local velocities to be simulated without the need to fully resolve the detailed flow around a moving paddle geometry. The increase in computational cost, compared to the naked hull simulation, is 8%. A case study investigating the impact of different paddle techniques on the hydrodynamic forces acting on a self-propelled kayak is conducted. A 0.23% difference in self-propelled resistance was observed, while an estimated 0.5% additional increase can be attributed to paddle-induced draught increases. An estimate of small changes in resistance on race times indicates that reductions of even a fraction of a percent are worth pursuing, indicating that the developed methodology may provide a useful design tool in the future.

Rigidity and flexibility combined stirring paddle

Abstract: The invention discloses a rigidity and flexibility combined stirring paddle. The rigidity and flexibility combined stirring paddle is composed of rigid paddle blades and flexible sheets, wherein the rigid paddle blades are fixedly connected with a stirring shaft; the flexible sheets are connected with the rigid paddle blades; the rigid paddle blades provided by the invention at least are in upper and lower two layers; the connection mode of the flexible sheets and the rigid paddle blades is that the upper ends of the flexible sheets are connected to the rigid paddle blades in the upper layer at an overlapped state, and the lower ends of the flexible sheets are connected to the rigid paddle blades in the lower layer; and the lengths of non-overlapped parts of the flexible sheets and the rigid paddle blades at upper layer and lower layer are 1.2-1.5 times the distance from the lower edges of the corresponding rigid paddle blades at the upper layer and the upper edges of the rigid paddle blades at the lower layer. Compared with the prior art, according to the invention, the stirring efficiency can be improved reliably, and the device cost can be saved.

Stirring paddle device of pigment yellow 180 reaction kettle

Abstract: The utility model relates to the technical field of reaction kettles, and particularly relates to a stirring paddle device of a pigment yellow 180 reaction kettle The stirring paddle device comprises a stirring paddle device body, wherein the stirring paddle device body comprises a coupler A arranged on the top of a shell of the reaction kettle; the top of the coupler A is connected with a motor A, the bottom of the coupler A is connected with a longitudinal stirring shaft, and the longitudinal stirring shaft is arranged in the shell of the reaction kettle; the upper part and the lower part of a shaft rod of the longitudinal stirring shaft are respectively provided with a stirring paddle A, the middle parts of the left and right side surfaces of the shell of the reaction kettle are respectively correspondingly provided with an L-shaped support; each L-shaped support is provided with a motor B, and each motor B is connected with a coupler B The stirring paddle device provided by the utility model has the advantages that the stirring paddles are longitudinal and transversely arranged, so that a condition that a material is uniformly stirred in the reaction kettle is guaranteed, the structure is simple, the operation is convenient, the material is furthest uniformly stirred, the product quality is improved, the stirring time is also shortened, and the work efficiency is improved

Haptic Paddle Enhancements and a Formal Assessment of Student Learning in System Dynamics

Abstract: The haptic paddle is a force-feedback joystick used at several universities in teaching System Dynamics, a core mechanical engineering undergraduate course where students learn to model dynamic systems in several domains. A second goal of the haptic paddle is to increase the accessibility of robotics and haptics by providing a low-cost device for middle and high school teachers and students, a goal which has been hindered to date by the lack of low-cost electronic solutions for motor control and computer interfacing. Prior assessments of the learning enabled by the paddles at the college level have been qualitative, consisting of anecdotal case studies illustrating student and educator belief that they enhance learning and increase student enthusiasm. In this paper, we describe haptic paddle design enhancements and provide a formal assessment of student learning when interacting with haptic paddles. Design enhancements seek to enable broad dissemination and improve the student experience by making the paddle less expensive (less than $100 for a complete system including electronics) and easier to use. Our formal assessment quantifies if and when learning occurs in a System Dynamics course featuring haptic paddle laboratories, via multiple choice quizzes presented at various time points to measure learning in the lecture, in the lab, during lab report writing, and at the end of the semester.

Main reducer for coaxial dual-rotor high-speed helicopter with tension paddle

Abstract: The invention relates to a main reducer for a coaxial dual-rotor high-speed helicopter with a tension paddle. The main reducer comprises a 2K-H helical tooth planetary gear train (consisting of a sun wheel input shaft, planet wheels and a planet carrier) and a spiral bevel gear differential gear train (consisting of an input gear, an upper rotor gear shaft, a lower rotor gear shaft and a tension paddle output gear shaft). The sun wheel input shaft transmits input torque through the 2K-H helical tooth planetary gear train and drives the input gear to perform transmission to realize coaxial reversal output torque of the upper rotor gear shaft and the lower rotor gear shaft in the spiral bevel gear differential gear train and output torque of the tension paddle output gear shaft. Such characteristics of the spiral bevel gear as high transmission efficiency, low vibration noise and high bearing capacity are combined with such advantages of the planetary gear train as compact structure and large transmission ratio. The front tension paddle is combined with coaxial dual rotor wings through power output, the requirements of the high-speed helicopter on high-speed flight and powerful power improvement can be met, and the invention has a certain guiding significance for design of the main reducer of the helicopter.

Stirrer with high stirring strength and high shearing force

Abstract: The utility model discloses a stirrer with high stirring strength and high shearing force. The stirrer comprises a cylinder, a permanent magnet direct drive motor, a matched variable frequency speed regulator, a shearing force stirring paddle, a reinforcing shearing force diversion plate in the cylinder, an anti-splash baffle plate at the top of the cylinder, a relevant fixed support, a feed opening, a discharge opening and other mechanisms. Compared with an existing stirring device, the stirrer disclosed by the utility model simultaneously utilizes the stirring paddle with high shearing force, the diversion plate and the permanent magnet direct drive motor with high torque, has the advantages of high stirring strength and strong shearing force, and can simultaneously reduce the energy consumption and the maintenance cost of stirring equipment.

Apparatus and method for reducing water wastage

Abstract: An apparatus (100) and method for reducing water wastage in a commercial or residential water supply system utilises a plurality of connection points (F) for attachment to a water supply; means (E) for shutting off water supply after a predetermined period or volume of water flow; and means (G) for monitoring water flow. The water flow monitor (G) comprises a sensor located within a flow pipe. The sensor can be a temperature probe, an impeller or a paddle switch. Also utilised is a timer (B), means for recording total water usage and means for displaying total water usage and instantaneous flow rate. A first reset means is operable to zero and can restart recording of total water usage. An alert system (C) comprising an SMS unit and/or an alarm is operable when one of a plurality of predetermined total water usage volumes is reached and on shutting off the water supply. A second reset means (D) is operable to recommence flow of water.

Design and implementation of a ball-batting robot with optimal batting decision making ability

Abstract: In this paper, we establish a ball-batting robotic system which consists of a four-joint robot arm with a paddle at its tip, and a high-speed stereovision system. The stereovision system tracks and predicts the trajectory of a flying ball. Then the robot hits the flying ball with the paddle and sends the rebounding ball to a desired location. An optimal batting decision making algorithm is proposed which determines the “best” impact time, position, and paddle velocity to ensure the arrival of the rebounding ball at the desired location. Experiments are conducted repeatedly and the results demonstrate that the performance of the ball-batting robot is similar to that of non-professional human players.

Magnetic stirrer for sponge raw materials

Abstract: The utility model provides a magnetic stirrer for sponge raw materials, belonging to the technical field of sponge processing. The magnetic stirrer solves the problem that transmission power of an existing stirrer is decreased because raw materials enter into an isolation hood of the existing stirrer to hinder rotation of a permanent magnetic rotor. The magnetic stirrer for the sponge raw materials comprises an outer magnetic body, a permanent magnetic rotor, a motor, a stirring paddle, a barrel-shaped TDI storage tank and a connecting cover which is hermetically fixed at the opening of the TDI storage tank, wherein the stirring paddle is provided with stirring blades, an output main shaft of the motor is fixed with the outer magnetic body and synchronously moves with the outer magnetic body, the stirring paddle is fixed with the connecting cover by virtue of a bearing and can rotate relative to the TDI storage tank, a circular groove is formed in the inner side of the connecting cover, and a concave hood is fixedly connected to the upper end of the stirring paddle and is embedded into the circular groove to form seal. The stirrer is driven by a magnetic coupling effect, and dynamic seal is converted into stationary seal to guarantee zero leakage.

Body composition assessment of paddle and tennis adult male players.

Abstract: Introduction: Racket sports require athletes to constantly improve and progress in their physical qualities in order to maintain competitive standards. This includes achieving and maintaining an optimal body composition. However, few studies have been published addressing this topic. Objective: This study tries to provide a complete anthropometric profile, including somatotype and body composition, of paddle and tennis male adult players. Methods: Anthropometric parameters including weight, height, skinfolds, girths and breadths were measured in 21 paddle and 26 tennis players, and the results were compared between the two groups as well as a control group, who did not play racket-based sports. Results: No significant differences in any body composition variable were found comparing tennis vs paddle players, with both groups showing a meso-endomorphic somatotype. The athletes presented lower muscle mass, and therefore less mesomorphic component, compared to the control group. Conclusion: Since body composition is a major determinant in racket sport performance, it is instrumental to control fat and muscle body mass by using adequate dietetic and nutritional tools as well as optimal training programs.

Standup Paddle Board Station

Abstract: Portable stations, consoles, seats, storage containers, compartments and easy to attach and detach accessories and methods of using accessory devices and apparatus for use with standup paddle boards and decks on other watercraft. The stations can be formed from lightweight plastic, and are floatable. The stations have plural seats and storage compartments for gear, food, beverages, gloves and other items, and include holders to support fishing rods and posts for shade covers.

Aircraft and screw propeller thereof

Abstract: The utility model relates to an aircraft and a screw propeller thereof. The screw propeller comprises a paddle hoop and at least two blades connected with the paddle hoop; 10 percent, 19.58 percent, 29.17 percent, 38.75 percent, 48.33 percent, 57.92 percent, 67.5 percent, 77 percent, 86.67 percent and 96.25 percent of the radius of the screw propeller away from the center of the paddle hoop, angles of attach between the blades is 11-15 degrees, 18-19.5 degrees, 20-23 degrees, 18-19.5 degrees, 15.8-17 degrees, 14-15.5 degrees, 12.7-13.5 degrees, 11.7-12.5 degrees, 10.7-11.5 degrees and 8-10.5 degrees. The screw propeller provided by the utility model has the benefits that through the design of angles of attach at different parts of the blades, the air resistance is reduced, the efficiency is improved, the flight following distance of the aircraft is increased, and the flight performance of the aircraft is improved.

Stirring kettle for glue making machine

Abstract: The utility model relates to the field of industrial papermaking glue making preparation, and in particular relates to a stirring kettle for a glue making machine. The conventional stirring kettle falls behind, and has the shortcomings of non-uniform and incomplete stirring smashing and inconvenience for cleaning. The utility model discloses the stirring kettle for the glue making machine, which can realize high-efficiency cleaning and dead-corner uniform and complete stirring smashing. The stirring kettle comprises a kettle body, wherein a steam opening and a material outlet are formed below the kettle body, and a water inlet, a starch inlet, an alkaline liquid inlet, a borax inlet and a manhole are formed above the kettle body; the stirring kettle is characterized in that a motor is also arranged at the center position above the kettle body and is provided with a stirring shaft; the stirring shaft is fixedly connected with a stirring blade, a cutter blade and a stirring paddle in sequence from top to bottom; the bottommost part on the inner wall of the kettle body is also fixedly provided with a buffering net.