This paper presents in-plane electrostatic comb-drive actuators with stroke as large as 245 μm that is achieved by employing a novel Clamped Paired Double Parallelogram (C-DPDP) flexure mechanism. For a given flexure beam length, comb gap, and actuation voltage, this is currently the largest comb-drive actuator stroke reported in the literature. The C-DP-DP flexure mechanism design offers high ...

Beam samples containing cranial sutures were prepared from embalmed and unembalmed cranial bone and were tested to determine their flexural stiffness and strength. With the aid of layered beam theory, the flexural stiffnesses of beams containing cranial sutures were compared to hypothetical layered cranial bone beams which did not contain sutures. The bending stiffnesses and strengths of crania...

This paper presents an experimental study of laser interferometry-based closed-loop motion tracking for flexure-based four-bar micro/nano manipulator. To enhance the accuracy of micro/nano manipulation, laser interferometry-based motion tracking control is established with experimental facility. The authors present and discuss open-loop control, model-based closed-loop control, and robust motio...

Splenic flexure volvulus is rare, only 22 cases having been reported. Though these usually present with chronic intermittent clinical features we recently encountered a case presenting as acute intestinal obstruction which, on plain abdominal X-rays, had classical features of this condition.

Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2012; 94: 359–372 Many lower extremity, pelvic and acetabular fractures require traction as first aid management prior to definitive fixation. While skin traction and Thomas splints are generally available, weights to provide countertraction are often missing or in parts of the hospital remote to the emergency department. A sharps bin (Sharpsguard® orange 11.5; Daniels, Oxf...

We report an unusual case of a giant colonic mucocele following ileo-sigmoid bypass surgery in a patient with advanced adenocarcinoma of the splenic flexure. The formation of a giant colonic mucocele resulted from distal splenic flexure obstruction due to tumour relapse and proximal caecal obstruction due to peritoneal disease with subsequent accumulation of mucus in the closed loop.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between hygroscopic expansion and polymerization shrinkage for compensation of polymerization shrinkage stresses in a restored tooth. One resin-modified glass-ionomer (RMGI) (Ketac Nano, 3M ESPE), 2 compomers (Dyract, Dentsply; Compoglass, Ivoclar), and a universal resin-based composite (Esthet•X HD, Dentsply) were tested. Volumetric...

A compact 2-DOF (two degrees of freedom) piezoelectric-driven platform for 3D cellular bio-assembly systems has been proposed based on “Z-shaped” flexure hinges. Multiple linear motions with high resolution both in x and y directions are achieved. The “Z-shaped” flexure hinges and the parallel-six-connecting-rods structure are utilized to obtain the lowest working stress while compared with oth...