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magnetic fields of the MR scanner. (2) The base was encased in 3/4" heat-shrink tubing
which was filled with epoxy to secure the leads. (3) Female TA3F Switchcraft Q-G
connectors (www.switchcraft.com) were attached for easy connection and
disconnection. (4) The actuator Itself was encased in 1" heat-shrink tubing to provide
electrical and thermal insulation between the device and the subject.
The actuators are simple to implement; they can be attached to the hands or
feet with elastic bandage wrap, or can be attached to the face or other body parts with
medical tape (Fig. 2).
Figure 1 Piezoelectric bending actuators before and after preparation. (A) The larger unit before
preparation measures 1.25 by 2.75 inches. (B) Thesmallerunitmeasures 0.25 by 1.875 inches. (C
& D) The actuators are made safe and durable by 1 adding thermal insulation to the wires, 2
reinforcing the leads to the base with epoxy, 3 adding mini-×LR connectors to allow easy
connection and disconnection, and 4 insulating the piezoceramic material with heat shrink tubing.