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SkepticJ
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Geckos, we learned from you, now watch what we humans http://www.wired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,68639,00.html?tw=rss.TOP
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Danger said:Excellent link, Skeptic. Very interesting.
Danger said:(Got the web-shooters worked out, though.) Now if someone can advise me on a good, cheap version of 'cold fire', I can get on with the Human Torch and Johnny Blaze.
:rofl:SkepticJ said:How did you do the web-shooters; silly string can?
May be add a little NaCl (or other Na compound) to the water. Sodium is emits yellow when burning.Danger said:As for the fire, there's cold fire available now, and I have the instructions for making it. Essentially, it's just alcohol and water mixed. The problem is that it produces a virtually invisible flame.
Danger said::rofl:
Not exactly. It involves a solenoid-controlled C02 pressure source and segmented canister with a spinning nozzle assembly on the end. It's based upon interface polymerization. When you fire it, you get 3 x 1mm strands of Nylon 6-10 winding around each other at about 200 rpm with a blast of Super Glue down the middle.
Astronuc said:May be add a little NaCl (or other Na compound) to the water. Sodium is emits yellow when burning.
Or maybe pure sodium for a slightly warmer flame? :uhh:Astronuc said:May be add a little NaCl (or other Na compound) to the water.
On paper for now. There are some technical difficulties that I haven't worked out yet. I can make a really simplified version without spinners for the chemical testing bit. Depending upon which specific agents I use, there might be byproducts that need to be chemically neutralized before ejection. The major mechanical problem is how to make the spinnaret head cut the strands at shut-off, and not clog up doing so, since the polymerization is a self-sustaining reaction. Also, getting the nozzle angles right will be trial and error; they have to be offset enough to make it spin, and yet still maintain a reasonable coherence among the strands.SkepticJ said:Have you actually made a prototype, or it's just on paper?
I don't plan to be swinging around the city on it. It's designed as a short-range anti-mugging device. I can't imagine that it will ever be able to shoot more than a couple of metres. The idea is to tangle a guy up to disable him (and maybe glue his nose and mouth shut if I'm really annoyed with him).SkepticJ said:I wouldn't trust my life to patch of superglue that's only say 5mm by 5mm. Superglue isn't that super.
Danger said:I don't plan to be swinging around the city on it. It's designed as a short-range anti-mugging device. I can't imagine that it will ever be able to shoot more than a couple of metres. The idea is to tangle a guy up to disable him (and maybe glue his nose and mouth shut if I'm really annoyed with him).
I'm still awaiting trial over someone's objection to my .45, and mace or pepper spray are equally as illegal where I live. I'm trying to bypass laws.SkepticJ said:Ah.
Not that I want to take the wind out of your sails but, what's wrong with pepper spray?
Danger said:I'm still awaiting trial over someone's objection to my .45, and mace or pepper spray are equally as illegal where I live. I'm trying to bypass laws.
Not a cop, but I've worked for RCMP and CSIS a couple of times. Mainly, I'm just a firm believer that it's better to have a gun and not need one than to need one and not have it. Tasers, believe it or not, are even more illegal than guns here. I was looking into the 'fluid' Taser, which is like a double-barrel water pistol firing twin streams of conductive fluid. I don't have time to read the link that you provided right now, but it looks very interesting at a quick scan. Maybe I'll see about building one. (Incidentally, one of the modifications of the web-shooters that I've been contemplating is introducing conductive material to the polymer and adding a Taser circuit. Maintaining contact with 2 strands on separate polarities through the spinarette assembly is going to be a new nightmare in itself.)SkepticJ said:You're a cop? What about electrical weapons, you know, tasers, stun guns, electrical stun batons etc.? This is still being developed, but should be great when they can be bought. I want one, no doubt.
Danger said:Tasers, believe it or not, are even more illegal than guns here.
Hi hon;hypatia said:I want one!
Agreed. In fact, the Calgary force is just introducing them to their arsenal right now (1 per car). RCMP have had them for a couple of years. They're categorized as 'Prohibited Weapons' here, which puts them in the same class as full-auto guns, switchblades, suppressors, grenades, etc.. Handguns, other than .32's or under 4" barrelled, ones are 'Restricted Weapons'. Regardless of how painful it is, I'd rather be shot with a Taser than a .40 Glock.SkepticJ said:If they won't listen to the cop and die from being shot by the taser, it's their own damn fault.
Danger said:Hi hon;
If I ever get it working properly, I'll send you one (or the blueprints if it's really expensive).
Danger said:I'll get on that right away.
Actually gave it some thought about 30 years ago. It wasn't practical at the time, but with micromachines...
Essentially pencil-sized 5,000psi hydraulic cylinders run from a 12VDC Power Pack with proportional solenoid valves. This was before microprocessors were available to the public, so controlling the things would have taken several people working joysticks. (Don't even ask about feedback circuitry.) The assembly also would have weighed about half a tonne and wouldn't have had enough strength to lift it's own weight. As I said, not practical.SkepticJ said:What power source were you thinking of?
Danger said:Essentially pencil-sized 5,000psi hydraulic cylinders run from a 12VDC Power Pack with proportional solenoid valves. This was before microprocessors were available to the public, so controlling the things would have taken several people working joysticks. (Don't even ask about feedback circuitry.) The assembly also would have weighed about half a tonne and wouldn't have had enough strength to lift it's own weight. As I said, not practical.
Danger said:Anamatronics are great! I love them, and sometimes use small-scaled devices in my Hallowe'en costume designs, but their practicality is pretty much limited to entertainment purposes.
Danger said:I don't have any specific 'creature' in mind when I build something, with the exception of The Alien or Rom the Spaceknight from Marvel comics.
Geckos have unique adhesive properties on their feet that allow them to climb vertical surfaces and even hang upside down. This inspired scientists to create adhesive materials that mimic these properties, leading to the development of improved adhesives for medical and industrial purposes.
Nature has inspired many technological advancements, including the design of airplanes based on bird flight, the development of Velcro based on burrs, and the creation of solar panels based on photosynthesis.
Studying nature can provide valuable insights and solutions to technological problems. By understanding how different species have adapted and evolved, we can apply those principles to improve our own technology. For example, studying the structure of seashells has led to stronger and more lightweight building materials.
One challenge is understanding the complex and sophisticated structures found in nature and replicating them in a cost-effective and scalable way. Additionally, there may be ethical concerns surrounding the use of animals or natural resources for technological advancements.
Nature-inspired technology has the potential to revolutionize many industries, including healthcare, transportation, and energy. For example, researchers are currently exploring the use of spider silk for stronger and more versatile medical implants, and the development of self-cleaning surfaces based on the lotus leaf's water-repelling properties.