Reynolds Fits LPRS Easy-Radio In Interviewer Robot

LPRS Easy-Radio modules have proved to be a vital component in a humanoid robot used to interview musicians at concerts. Reynolds customised the robot to allow it to perform motions, dance routines, handshakes and gestures, and mounted a camera into its head to give a direct feed of the interview in progress. The robot's chariot uses a four-wheel drive robot platform with a customised shell to make it resemble an armchair. Another camera is mounted on the chariot so it can back off from the humanoid and record interviews from a second viewpoint.

The biggest design issue was the audio interaction between the robot and the interviewee. A method was required to remotely play back more than 200 words and phrases accurately and quickly to make the interviews run smoothly. Nothing existed off the shelf, so Reynolds undertook a custom design employing an MP3 playback unit, amplifier and speaker located in the chariot that would produce the humanoid's voice.

An RS232 input stream operates the unit, and a modified USB keyboard outputs the required instruction data stream to remotely provide the words and phrases. Reynolds decided to use an LPRS Easy-Radio to transmit the data over RF to the receiver in the chariot.

A spokesperson from Reynolds said: 'The LPRS Easy-Radio modules were a breath of fresh air and could be put directly into the data stream, with no extra circuitry or software tweaks required. 'The modules worked flawlessly out of the box and as an added bonus were slim enough to fit directly into the back of the keyboard unit. 'The robot could now speak to any guest directly and any phrase or saying could be accessed at the touch of a button. 'The modules worked quickly enough to allow multiple phrases and names to be strung together.

Levelling Made Easy With Latexplan Trade

Mapei's premium latex levelling compound, Latexplan Trade is slower setting therefore suitable for rubbing down and is ideal for even the most budget conscious projects. Latexplan Trade is a two component self-levelling and smoothing compound, for the internal levelling of new or existing substrates, to prepare them to receive any type of floor covering.

A key benefit is its suitability for use on most substrates including: concrete floors, cement-based screeds, Mapei Topcem and Mapecem screeds, existing ceramic tile, terrazzo, natural stone, wood, steel and polyurethane. When used in conjunction with Mapeproof ESM surface membrane and Mapei's ECO adhesives, it provides the ideal system solution for fast-track, environmentally conscious projects.

This protein-free product is suitable for use on most projects, especially within public sector buildings due to its low odour and high compressive strength (sets to 30N/mm2); it has recently been specified for various projects across the country, including Bradford College, Tudor Grange Leisure Centre and Poole High School. Mapei is the world's largest manufacturer of adhesives, sealants and chemical products for building.

With over 70 years experience, Mapei is a specialist in the production of quality products for the installation of all types of wall and floor coverings, and has a vast range of admixtures and repair products for concrete and building materials.

Easy Access Night Latch From UNION

Unique night latch from Assa Abloy's UNION Architectural Hardware, designed for elderly and disabled people, has been short-listed for one of the industry's top awards. The Easy Access Night Latch has been nominated for the Physical Security Product of the Year at the leading security event IFSEC 2009, to be held at the NEC in Birmingham, 11-14 May.

The Easy Access Night latch boasts a range of features to make it easy to use, including an extended operating lever and chunky sliding catch to make it easy to find and operate. The contact points have non-slip red tactile rubber surfaces, making them easy to grip, while the contrasting colour helps people with visual impairments. The product also comes with an oversized, easy grip key cover to aid access from the outside of the property.

The unique features have been specifically designed to assist in fulfilling the duties required under the UK's Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and satisfy the recommendations of BS8300 and Approved Document M (ADM). "This is a great tribute to the Easy Access Night Latch". "We've worked hard to come up with something functional that helps elderly and disabled people access their homes without compromising security".

"To be short-listed for an award at IFSEC is a credit to everyone involved in developing such a useful product". "It acknowledges our commitment to ensuring our products constantly evolve to meet the changin! g needs of the market," says Pauline Richardson, UNION Product Manager. The Easy Access Night Latch range consists of both 50 mm and 60 mm backset cylinder night latches and 60 mm roller bolt deadlock.

It is available as a case only or complete with a UNION cylinder. When used on entrance doors to dwellings above ground level, the roller bolt variant will prevent accidental lock-out and meet the recommendations of BS5588, which relates to fire precautions in the design and construction of buildings.

Linear Guide Systems Are Easy To Specify

Design is capable of carrying heavy loads at high capacity, velocity and acceleration while still excelling in wear resistance. PBC Linear has a new line of cost-effective easy-to-specify linear guide systems. Integral V Technology systems feature a patent pending process that allows for tighter tolerances without additional cost. The design itself is capable of carrying heavy loads at high capacity, velocity and acceleration while still excelling in wear resistance.

IV-T also has a growing number of configurations and a wide range of uses with custom orders available. This versatile product is yet another in a long line of innovative products in PBC's history. With the 20 different configurations already available - and more being developed each week - the IV technology is truly versatile in its application. Products in IV technology include snap-in, bolt-on, integrated and compact configurations. All of which allow for easy installation, and what really sets this product and company apart from others is that Pacific Bearing is willing to work with companies to integrate the IV-technology into their extrusions.

PBC's engineering team is fully prepared to adapt or modify the customer's base design with the new Integral V technology to ensure a successful product. The hardened steel V-raceway allows for a high load capacity, rigidity and wear resistance. The rail is constructed of lightweight aluminium partnered with hardened steel V raceways that are mechanically inserted to create high contact loads and wear resistance; thereby lowering production and replacement costs.

Single-Component Epoxy Is Easy To Handle

Polymer System EP11HT is a single-component epoxy resin system from Master Bond for high-temperature bonding applications up to 205C. Master Bond EP11HT is a heat-curing, structural epoxy adhesive featuring high shear strength and easy handling. It is formulated to cure at elevated temperatures, for example 110min at 120C or 75min at 150C.

EP11HT attains tensile shear strengths in excess of 22.75MPa and forms rigid and dimensionally stable bonds. The service temperature range is -50 to +205C. As a one-part system, it does not require mixing prior to use and has an 'unlimited' working life at room temperature.

EP11HT bonds well to a wide variety of substrates including metals, glass, ceramics and most plastics. It has excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals including acids, bases, oils, salts and many solvents. A nondrip version called EP11HTND-2 is also available. The cured adhesive fully meets the requirements of MIL-MMM-A-132. It is available in pint, quart, gallon and 5 gallon containers.