PCB Piezotronics have released a new tri-axial force transducer. The 260A series features full-scale measuring ranges from 2.2 kN to 18 kN in the X and Y directions and 4.5 kN to 45 kN in the Z direction. Single axis models are also available.
Vibrating shoes can improve balance
A recently published article in the Annals of Neurology (Volume 59, Issue 1, Pages 4 – 12), by Attila Priplata et. al., shows that vibrating insoles can improve the balance for people suffering from the effects of a stroke or diabetic neuropathy.
New Release of Software for Vibration Analysis
Vibrasuite is collection of software packages together that includes ME’scope for modal analysis from Vibrant Technologies; Rotate for condition-monitoring type analyses; IMAT a software library for Matlab; and Attune a Matlab toolkit for modal-analysis updating from ATA Engineering.
For more information see the VibraSuite web site.
New Vibration Research Center in South Africa
Eskom, a South African power company, is planning to build a science and technology center in Kwazulu-Natal, in conjunction with the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The proposed center will consist of a vibration research and testing centre (VRTC), a high voltage laboratory, and a museum.
Mechanical Cochlear
Scientists at the University of Michigan are developing a mechanical cochlea. The MEMS device is designed to operate underwater and can currently sense acoustic waves in the range from 4.2kHz to 35kHz.
For more information read the UMich press release.
Active engine mount
Avon Automotive have released an active vibration isolator for engines. The isolator will be used on the latest Jaguar XJ6 TDVi.
For more information, read Avon’s Vibramount brochure.
STMicroelectronics New Three Axis Accelerometers
STMicroelectronics have released some new MEMS chip type tri-axial accelerometers. The LIS3LV02DQ device is a 3-axis low-g accelerometer with a standard SPI/I²C digital interface. The LIS3L02AL/LIS3L06AL sensors have analog-outputs. The accelerometers can measure both tilt and acceleration along all three (x, y and z) axes at a very low noise level and minimized power consumption.
See the ST Micro web site for more details.
Gaming Headset with the Shakes
XFX Gear have released a headset for gamers that incorporates a mini-shaker that is powered by the USB port.
For more details see the XFX Web Site.
Sub-woofer with integrated vibration cancellation
Sunfire have made a large sub-woofer for mounting in a wall that incorporates an integrated vibration cancellation device that reduces the vibration transmission to the walls in which it is mounted. The ContraBass™ In-Wall Subwoofer has a suggested price of $2,995 each.
Snooping using the sound of a typing on a keyboard
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley were able to decode sound recordings of a person typing on a keyboard to recover 96% of the characters.
Read the full news article on the UC Berkeley web site.