Hi Steve! http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2002/0173823.html (corrected). And select "Download PDF 20020173823" (includes diagrams). I caught one error before sending (dot after www missing), checked and link worked. Somehow the slash disappeared when I pushed 'send'. Never a dull moment! Exciting, transcutaneous arrays are being developed? I'd all but given up hope to find such. I was researching piezoelectric devices for temporary use in prototypes, this is very welcome news indeed! I never imagined the ardor needed to fulfill this project, thought I'd need Sheriff protection (media) when Patent Application was published. Not a wing lifted, not a peep. Such an array of electrodes (transcutaneous type) can be mass produced inexpensively, can be run for days on a 9 volt battery, and do not cause vibrations in skin that would cause interference in neighboring nerve zones. Needed is safety feature to keep amplitude below threshold of irritating or burning skin, such voltages are not needed anyway. We stimulate the nerves directly, physical vibrations are not necessary. Electronics to power it come in package no bigger than cell phone (I have a TENS for low back pain management). Reports of 'burning' were due to design and operating flaws, in previous attempts to use TENS technology for similar applications. Small electrodes deliver sharper 'jolt' at set amplitude. An added electronic circuit to prevent this, is all that is needed. I will fully research all advice you gave me. Should I have any problem contacting Smith-Kettlewell or Bill Gerry? Any contact info would be greatly appreciated! Thank You Ever So Much, Bill English ________________________________ From: Steve <k8sp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Wed, August 25, 2010 8:18:18 AM Subject: [optacon-l] Re: Research/Tactile devices Interesting. At one time, Smith-Kettlewell was using transcutaneous arrays in this area as well. Maybe Bill Gerrey (sp) knows about that. By the way, anyone trying to look at his link, the URL code is missing a forward slash after the .com extension. Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world! Steve Lansing, MI ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill English" <english.family@xxxxxxxxx> To: "Optacon-I" <optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 2:52 AM Subject: [optacon-l] Research/Tactile devices > Hi All, > I am new subscriber to Optacon-I@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx I am not blind, but a > researcher into portable devices for tactile display of real-time video > feed. > Very interested in tactile technologies, for my organization will need to > choose > one to use, for prototype of my invention. > > I hope it is appropriate to speak of here, knowing this site is mainly for > users > and researchers concerning the Optacon. My invention is Patent Applied > for, can > be accessed for view at http://www.freepatentsonline.comy2002/0173823.html > , > select "Download PFF 20020173823" for version with diagrams. > > We (am forming nonprofit org) are having difficulty finding a low cost > tactile > method, that will meet frequency and minimal power drain requirements, and > not > too expensive. I would like any information about the piezoelectric > actuators > in the Optacon. These are probably a type we can use in early prototypes, > if > they can be bought in bulk (not installed). > > Thanks, and God Bless You All, > > Bill English > > > > > > to view the list archives, go to: > > www.freelists.org/archives/optacon-l > > To unsubscribe at any time, just send a message to: > > optacon-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" (without the > quotes) in the message subject. > > Tell your friends about the list. They can subscribe by sending a message > to: > > optacon-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "subscribe" (without the > quotes) in the message subject. > to view the list archives, go to: www.freelists.org/archives/optacon-l To unsubscribe at any time, just send a message to: optacon-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) in the message subject. Tell your friends about the list. They can subscribe by sending a message to: optacon-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "subscribe" (without the quotes) in the message subject. to view the list archives, go to: www.freelists.org/archives/optacon-l To unsubscribe at any time, just send a message to: optacon-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) in the message subject. Tell your friends about the list. They can subscribe by sending a message to: optacon-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "subscribe" (without the quotes) in the message subject.