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The WaterNlife company have sent me a 'LifeStraw® personal' to review, and even though it uses the same technology as the LifeStraw® go that I reviewed last year, I thought that the public can be made aware of the great relief these straws bring to people in under developed countries.

As this is the 'personal' variation of the water filter that has been developed, it is the most effective tool for struggling countries who have poor quality water sources, as they can be carried around the neck and they have virtually no weight to them.
The Straw has a cap for the mouth piece and a cap for the water entrance to keep it as hygienic as possible.

The LifeStraw® technology contains a specially designed hollow fiber
ultrafiltration technology, most commonly found in industrial water
treatment plants that clean a city's water supply. The inside of the
LifeStraw® consists of a large number of hollow fibers that resemble angel
hair spaghetti, but much thinner. Each fiber has pores in its walls with a
diameter of 0.2 microns or five hundred times smaller than the diameter of
a human hair. When water is forced through the hollow fibers, only clean
water can fit through these pores, blocking bacteria, parasites, and dirt from
reaching the user. This purely physical method of filtration does not contain
any chemicals.

The straw will filter out 99.9% of waterborne bacteria and protozoan parasites making this a vital tool for the adults and children of these poorer countries.

It's easy to take everything for granted in our modern western world and forget about struggle and strife, but the families who are fighting for their very survival are the people we should think about.

Every one of these straws that are purchased will make a difference in the fight to combat illnesses caused by bad water. For every LifeStraw® sold, a child in Africa will receive clean drinking water
for an entire school year.
check out my lifestraw go review here.... lifestraw Go review.

For more info click the following links...

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The WaterNlife company have sent me a 'LifeStraw® personal' to review, and even though it uses the same technology as the LifeStraw® go that I reviewed last year, I thought that the public can be made aware of the great relief these straws bring to people in under developed countries.

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People in developing countries need a device that is small and portable so they can find a water source and drink straight from it by the filters in the bottle/ straw so they don't get contaminated with any diseases.

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A straw meant to help anyone get a drink from any water source

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H1 Mrs Eaves 55pt Dark

H2 Mrs Eaves 45pt Dark

H3 Mrs Eaves 35pt Dark

H4 Mrs Eaves 25pt Dark

Body Text 16pt Regular Gilroy Center Body Text 16pt Regular Gilroy

Body Text 14pt Regular Gilroy Center Body Text 14pt Regular Gilroy

shop now shop now shop now

Now with included silicone base

Lifestraw Home
Glass Pitcher

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Now with included silicone base

Lifestraw Home
Glass Pitcher

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We believe everyone deserves equitable access to safe water.
For every product purchased, a school child receives safe water for a year.

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our history

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It all began with a partnership and an effort to eradicate a nasty waterborne disease from the planet.

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WATER TECH Microplastics have been found in human blood. It's time to get them out of our drinking water. read more

WATER TECH A PSA on PFAS: What are they and how can you filter them from your drinking water? read more

IN THE PRESS

"LifeStraw Saves Those Without Access To Clean Drinking Water."

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We believe everyone deserves equitable access to safe drinking water. We design products that provide the highest protection from unsafe water and have positive impact on people and planet.

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Children with special disabilities to communicate or have trouble learning need a tablet so they can learn the same material as the other kids and communicate with them also.

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The Apps Have It

iPads and tablets are changing the face of special education
By Valle Dwight
The past three years have seen a sea change in the use of technology in special education. The introduction of the iPad, followed by numerous other tablets, has put technology into the hands of students in a way unprecedented in the years before.

The tablets have succeeded so quickly in part because they are portable, intuitive to use, and, let's face it, cool.

"They provide a different modality of learning, one that has an element of fun."

Hallie Fischburg is a special education teacher at the IDEAL school in New York, where teachers and therapists are using assistive technology throughout the school at all grade levels, including iPads and several other pieces of hardware and software. Teachers at the school use iPads to help students with a host of issues, including communication, reading, fine motor skills, writing, and handwriting.

Fischburg is a strong advocate of using the iPad with her students, many of whom have cognitive impairment and developmental disabilities. "The iPads are incredible," she says. "They provide a different modality of learning, one that has an element of fun."

The iPads have appeal to students and teachers for a number of reasons: the learning applications (apps) are usually engaging and perceived by students as fun, they have a strong learning component, and they can be used as a reward for a student who has worked hard. And, with new apps being developed daily, teachers can find apps to supplement just about any lesson they are working on, Fischburg says. The devices can also serve as a bridge between students with and without disabilities, Fischburg has found.

Teachers at IDEAL have also been using iPads to supplement instruction for students with specific learning disabilities, according to Tobie Franklin, Director of Learning Support at the school. The apps they use have a multi-disciplinary approach to learning and have proven to be successful with the struggling readers, she said. "The apps are so engaging and they have rewards," she said, which motivates the students to work on even repetitive tasks. "It's been worth every penny," she said of the iPads the school has purchased.

Helping Students to Read, Talk, and Connect
IPads were not the first devices used in special education classrooms, of course. Special education teachers have used a variety of software for years to teach and supplement lessons in math, reading, writing, organization, and memory. Other assistive technology devices help students with listening, sitting, and even grasping a pencil.

But the iPad and other tablets have opened up the world of technology to the average classroom and have been instrumental in helping some of the most challenged students read, talk, and connect.

One student in Fischberg's classroom has a speech impediment that makes him difficult to understand. Children who have communication problems can get frustrated at school and may also have problems making social connections. With the program Proloquo2Go, an augmentative and alternative communication program for the iPad, her student has found his voice. The app is highly individualized, so her student can have a separate set of words programmed for when he's in class, at lunch, or on the playground. Now he can press a button to say, "I need to take a break," instead of acting out to get that message across.

Fischberg's student's success with the iPad is not an anomaly. A recent study in Toronto found that using communication apps increased augmented and verbal communication, and self-initiated interaction with peers. Another study looking at math skills for second-graders with learning disabilities using hand-held computer-assisted instruction, found that students improved their subtraction scores by an average 17 percent.

Technology Is Tireless
Mary Cronin, an education professor in Massachusetts, was a special education teacher for seven years, and she has seen the technology revolution unfold. When she was teaching, she sometimes used software as a way to supplement her own classroom lessons. Software programs allow for the constant repetition and reinforcement that students need to make progress.If a student senses that a teacher is getting tired, Cronin said, they tend to lose their focus also. But the computer is "unflagging, and corrects the student in a positive way every time," she said.

The most successful teaching for children with special education needs involves visual, auditory and kinesthetic (tactile) learning, Cronin says. Up until the days of the iPad, the kinesthetic piece was missing from learning software, and from many classrooms.

Some teachers skipped the tactile part of learning because it was cumbersome and potentially messy (like writing letters in shaving cream, for example), Cronin said.

But the iPad includes a hands-on element that is easy to use. "It's not as sensory as true tactile learning," she says, "but it still uses that part of the brain."

In general Cronin has found that technology is making it easy to personalize a student's instruction. Software is self-paced and allows students to skip quickly through parts they are strong in and spend more time on the parts the struggle with.

"It can be so easily individualized," she says. "Which is ultimately what special education is about."

Of course, the software is not replacing direct instruction from teachers and it is only as good as the teacher using it. If teachers aren't trained in using tablets or other assistive technology, their students won't get the best results, Cronin says. Because of the pace that new technology is being developed, teachers can become overwhelmed, she said.

At the IDEAL school, the administration is looking to hire a specialist to help teachers keep pace with this technology revolution. Cronin has also noticed that the new generation of teachers she is teaching is comfortable with technology and she is hopeful that they will be the leaders of the new wave of education technology.

"We need teachers to be at the forefront of how we can use technology in meaningful ways," she said.

Assistive Technology: It's Not Just iPads

Assistive technology runs the gamut from software to listening systems to pencil grips and over-sized keyboards. Audio books, graphic organizers, talking calculators and talking dictionaries are all examples of assistive technology commonly used to support students in special education.

The various hardware and software helps students with organization, reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Students at the IDEAL school use a large keyboard to help students with fine motor and visual impairment. The keys are also color coded to make it easier to pick out the letters.

There is also an FM listening system in two classrooms to help students with auditory processing, hearing and attention issues. A nice side benefit to using the system (which filters out background noise and makes the teacher's voice more clear) is that all students tend to pay better attention, said Tobie Franklin, Director of Learning Support at the school.

For assistive technology in the classroom to be helpful, it's important that an expert evaluate the student to match their particular needs with the right tool. The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) requires that technology devices or services be provided to students that need it. Students can ask for an assistive technology evaluation as part of their Individual Education Plan evaluation.

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Assistive Technology in the Classroom - WeAreTeachers

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The Apps Have It iPads and tablets are changing the face of special education By Valle Dwight The past three years have seen a sea change in the use of technology in special education. The introduction of the iPad, followed ...

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These devices can be used to help people communicate with others, feel something they haven't felt in a while or ever.

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For the last seven months, Hackaday has been hosting the greatest hardware competition on Earth. The Hackaday Prize is a challenge to Build Something That Matters, asking hardware creators around the world to focus their skills to change the world.

The results have been spectacular. In five rounds of design challenges, we've seen more than 1000 entries and so far eighty of them have won $1000 and a chance to win the Grand Prize: $150,000 and a residency at the Supplyframe DesignLab in Pasadena.

Last week, we wrapped up the last challenge for the Hackaday Prize: Assistive Technologies. We're now happy to announce twenty of those entries that have been selected to move to the final round and have been awarded a $1000 cash prize. Congratulations to the winners for the Assistive Technologies portion of the Hackaday Prize:

Who Will win the 2016 Hackaday Prize?

The finalists from each round are now being sent to our fantastic panel of judges. One of them will be awarded the Hackaday Prize. In addition to the prestige, they will win $150,000 and a residency at the Supplyframe DesignLab in Pasadena. Four more of the finalists will receive the other cash prizes of $25k, $10k, $10k, and $5.

Find out who will win live at the Hackaday Superconference on November 5th. The greatest hardware conference on the planet - the two-day hardware spectacular with an awesome speaker lineup, great workshops, and a fantastic community - includes the Hackaday Prize part. There's still time to get a ticket to participate in this hardware spectacular and witness the crowning of the winner of The Hackaday Prize.

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These 20 Projects Won $1000 For Assistive Technologies

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For the last seven months, Hackaday has been hosting the greatest hardware competition on Earth. The Hackaday Prize is a challenge to Build Something That Matters, asking hardware creators around the world to focus their skills to change the world. The results have been spectacular.

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People need this who have tremors with their hands because this can be a substitute for a hand mouse, for the people with hand problems.

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Mouse for People With Hand Disabilities: I thought on this instructable when I saw one of my aunts, she has problems when using the computer mouse because her hands tremble a lot due to a illness problem. In resume this is a modification of the Wii Remote Controller, making it work as a m…

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People who used to play the guitar or play the guitar with a physical disability need this device because this certain guitar is handicapped for the disabled.

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People with problems communicating due to a disability need this device to communicate cheaply.

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Introduction: Assistive Technology for People With Communication Disabilities Using Makey Makey

Objective: Build a cheap and easy tool to help people with disabilites to better communicate their basic needs.
Materials:
- Makey Makey

- Used box - my box is 6.5 x 3.5", but you can use a box bigger than that if you want.

- 8 Connector wires

- Momentary buttons ( Amazon Link )

- Tape

- Baking Clay

- Acrylic Ink
Tools:
- Scissor/needle

- Pen

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Step 1: Getting the Buttons Ready!

a. First of all, get your box and mark down four holes the size of your buttons. Please remember to leave space for the makey makey to go inside the box, like the picture above.

b. Using a scissor or a needle, cut down those holes, so the buttons can fit exactly on it.

c. Insert the button in one side and the nut in the other side. Make sure the button is fixed properly.

d. Using the baking clay, design three button caps of about one inch (or the size you think it is better for you) and paint them in different colors.

e. Using super glue, glue those buttons caps to the buttons. Let stand still for about 5 minutes.

f. Draw on paper labels "water", "food" and "Help" (or something else you want - we will discuss this later).

* If you want you can use anything as a button cap, not necessarily baking clay. Use your imagination!!! (:

Step 2: Getting Makey Makey Ready!

a. Inside the box, fix the makey makey board using tape (remember to fix it in the spot that you reserved to the board previously!)

b. After the board is settled, it is time to connect everything! For each button, connect one wire in the "earth" and the other wire in the "WASD" part, like the image below. If you are following the same model that I used, connect: W for Water, A for Food, S for Help and D for Back buttons.

c. For last but not least, connect the USB cable into the board. Make a small hole on the bottom of the box, so the other side of the cable can be connected to the computer (like a "tale" of the box).

Step 3: Get the Software Ready!

Now that you should have all set, the only missing part is the software. So, my friend Andre and I designed a simple software that should work just fine for simple necessities. The software can be downloaded here, and all you need to do is download it and run it.

This is how it works: when you press a button on the box, the software recognizes and shows it what you press, and also makes a sound in case that the patient doesn't have any one around at the moment. Therefore, the patient can have his own privacy for some moments, and the relatives don't need to worry about them.

If you need anything different from Water, Food and Help, together with the application, there is the programming code that you can edit to better fit your needs.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact me through email at gustavo_k@outlook.com !

This project was made by Gustavo Leite Kobayakawa with a BIG help of my friend Andre Marinho, under supervision of Dr. Jeremy Rickli, at Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, and sponsored by CAPES, Brazilian government and Institute of International Education (IIE).

We have a be nice policy.
Please be positive and constructive.

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Assistive Technology for People With Communication Disabilities Using Makey Makey

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Objective: Build a cheap and easy tool to help people with disabilites to better communicate their basic needs. Materials: - Makey Makey - Used box - my box is 6.5 x 3.5", but you can use a box bigger than that if you want.

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People who are blind need this device so it can help them feel their surroundings.

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Introduction: THIRD EYE FOR THE BLIND - an Innovative Wearable Technology for Blinds.

- The first wearable technology for blinds - Using ultrasonic waves to detect the obstacles - Notifying the user through vibrations/buzzer sound
Third eye for blinds is an innovation which helps the blinds people to navigate with speed and confidence by detecting the nearby obstacles using the help of ultrasonic waves and notify them with buzzer sound or vibration. They only need to wear this device as a band or cloth.

According to WHO 39 million peoples are estimated as blinds worldwide. They are suffering a lot of harder ship in there daily life.The affected ones have been using the traditional white cane for many years which although being effective, still has a lot of disadvantages. Another way is, having a pet animal such as a dog, but it is really expensive. So the aim of the project is to develop a cheap and more efficient way to help visually impaired to navigate with greater comfort, speed and confidence.
Watch the video of it's working. Watch the video that came in a news channel (Malayalam language)
Novelty of the project
This is the first wearable technology for blinds which resolves all the problems of existing technologies. Now a days there are so many instruments and smart devices for visually impaired peoples for navigation but most of them have certain problems for carrying and the major drawbacks is those need a lot of training to use. The one of the main peculiarity of this innovation is, it is affordable for everyone, the total cost being less than $25 (~1500INR). There are no such devices available in the market that can be worn like a cloth and having such a low cost and simplicity. When used on a large scale, with improvements in the prototype, it will drastically benefit the community.

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Step 1: Existing Systems

1.White cane

2.Pet dog

3.Smart devices (eg : Vision a torch for blinds)

Problem of the Existing Systems:
* White cane - May easily crack/break,The stick may get stuck at pavement cracks of different objects.

* Pet dog - Huge cost. (~$42,000 / 280000Rs )

* Common Disadvantages (Including the the smart devices) Cannot be carried easily, needs a lot of training to use...
The features of Third eye for blinds:
By wearing this device they can fully avoid the use of white cane and such other devices. This device will help the blind to navigate without holding a stick which is a bit annoying for them. They can simply wear it as a band or cloth and it can function very accurately and they only need a very little training to use it.

Step 2: Full Description of the Project

I have designed a special wearable device based on the arduino board which can be worn like a cloth for blinds. This device is equipped with five ultrasonic sensors, consisting of five modules which are connected to the different parts of the body. Among them, two for both shoulder, another two for both knees and one for the hand. Using the five ultrasonic sensors, blind can detect the objects in a five dimensional view around them and can easily travel anywhere. When the ultrasonic sensor detects obstacle the device will notify the user through vibrations and sound beeps. The intensity of vibration and rate of beeping increases with decrease in distance and this is a fully automated device.

The entire project can be made in the form of jacket, so that the device doesn't need to be wear one by one. Use of specially designed boards instead of arduino and high quality ultrasonic sensors makes faster response which make the device capable of working in crowded.

Step 3: Tested Successfully With the Help of a Visually Impaired Person.

Read more about this here in the Awards won for this innovation.

1. 1st price for PPT innovation award

2. 2nd price in state level science fair. (Conducted by Government of Kerala)

FB post by our school science teacher.

Step 4: Prototyping of the Idea - Parts Used

Materials

5 x Arduino pro mini

5 x Ultrasonic sensor

5 x Perfboard

5 x Vibrating motor

5 x Buzzers

5 x Red LEDs

5 x Switches

Male and female header pins

4 x Jumper cable

One power bank

One 3.3 volt old mobile battery

Some elastics and stickers(to make it as a band for wearing)

Step 5: Circuit Diagram

Wiring instruction.
Ground of LED, buzzer and vibration motor to GND of arduino

+ve of LED and middle leg of switch to Arduino pin 5

+ve of Buzzer to first leg of switch

+ve of Vibration motor to third leg of switch
Ultrasonic sensor
Ultrasonic sensor pin VCC - Arduino pin VCC

Ultrasonic sensor pin GND - Arduino pin GND

Ultrasonic sensor pin Trig - Arduino pin 12

Ultrasonic sensor pin Echo - Arduino PIN 12
The switch used here is for selecting the mode. ( buzzer or vibration mode.)
Figure 2 - Powering the modules - Connect the 4 arduino pro mini to a USB male pin and connect to a power bank. For the module in the hand use a small lithium battery.

Step 6: Making the Modules

1. First cut the pref board in 5 X 3 cm dimension and solder the female headers for the arduino to the board.

2. Then solder the buzzer.

3. Then connect the vibrating motor using the glue gun and solder wires to it.

4. Then connect the LED.

5. Then connect the switch.

6. Then connect header pins for ultrasonic sensors and for battery input.

7. Then solder everything as shown in the circuit diagram.

8. Now connect the arduino and ultrasonic sensor to the board

Also connect the elastic band to all the modules.
3 more modules are to be made in the same way us described above, but for the one in the hand, there is a little difference. visit the next step before making that last module.

Step 7: Code + Making the Module for the Hand

1. Connect the ultrasonic sensor to the board by using 4 jumper cables.

2. Then connect a 3.7 volt mobile battery to this module.

3. Then connect the elastic band as shown in the figure.

At last upload the code to each arduino board and power the 4 other modules using a power bank.
Code used in the arduino -
  //VISIT : www.robotechmaker.com

  const int pingTrigPin = 12; //Trigger connected to PIN 7
  const int pingEchoPin = 10; //Echo connected yo PIN 8
  int buz=5; //Buzzer to PIN 4
  void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  pinMode(buz, OUTPUT);
  }
  void loop()
  {
  long duration, cm;
  pinMode(pingTrigPin, OUTPUT);
  digitalWrite(pingTrigPin, LOW);
  delayMicroseconds(2);
  digitalWrite(pingTrigPin, HIGH);
  delayMicroseconds(5);
  digitalWrite(pingTrigPin, LOW);
  pinMode(pingEchoPin, INPUT);
  duration = pulseIn(pingEchoPin, HIGH);
  cm = microsecondsToCentimeters(duration);
  if(cm<=50 && cm>0)
  {
  int d= map(cm, 1, 100, 20, 2000);
  digitalWrite(buz, HIGH);
  delay(100);
  digitalWrite(buz, LOW);
  delay(d);
  }
  Serial.print(cm);
  Serial.print("cm");
  Serial.println();
  delay(100);
  }
  long microsecondsToCentimeters(long microseconds)
  {
  return microseconds / 29 / 2;
  }

Attachments

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Please be positive and constructive.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
THIRD EYE FOR THE BLIND - an Innovative Wearable Technology for Blinds.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The first wearable technology for blinds - Using ultrasonic waves to detect the obstacles - Notifying the user through vibrations/buzzer sound Third eye for blinds is an innovation which helps the blinds people to navigate with speed and confidence by detecting the nearby obstacles using the help of ultrasonic waves and notify them with buzzer sound or vibration.

# data[].attributes.body
This mainly is for dogs so they can use the trashcan too like us.

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Introduction: The Pawbin - a Dog Friendly Trashcan

The trashcan is a household object that is used a lot during the day. The task of opening and closing a trashcan might seem easy for everyone, but it can be a challenge for some. For people in a wheelchair the opening and closing of a trashcan can still be a hard job, even with a guidance dog. This trashcan was designed specifically to help Sylvie and her dog Croepoek with this problem.

The Pawbin is a hacked trashcan that can be made by anyone. During the development of this project we tried to use a low amount of components so the modification could stay minimal.

In this DIY product we add weights to keep the trashcan grounded and in place. We also add a small pulley system to the lid so the trashcan opens and closes easier. Finally we added a toy so the dog can open and close the trashcan instinctively with ease.

Almost every dog will be able to use the Pawbin effectively. The only trait the dog needs is the ability to learn tricks. But keep in mind that this DIY product was specially designed for people who use trained dogs in the assistance of their daily life.

Note: This is an instructable that can be used on any small trashcan with minor modifications.

For further information (ie. our process and different iterations) visit our blog: http://vuilnisbak2014.blogspot.be/
Click here to view the video

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Step 1: Materials & Tools

Materials
All the materials can be found in a DIY-shop except for the tennis balls, which can be found in a sport or toy shop

Here is the list of materials:

- A plumb ( 800 g)
- A wooden stick ◘ ( 17 x 17 mm) , minimum length 110 mm
- A wooden lath ▬ (36 x 6 mm), minimum length 300 mm
- Metal bars ( 40 x 7 mm) , minimum total length 1500 mm
- A PVC tube ( inside diameter 46 mm) minimum length 270mm
- A pleated bracket ( 75 x 75 x 18 mm)
- 2 Tennis balls

- Screws, sunken bolts and nuts
- Double-sided tape
Tools
- A wood saw
- A metal saw
- A screwdriver
- A drill
- A file tool
- A dremel
- A meter
- A square tool
- A pencil
- A cutter knife or scissors
-A spanner (M8 - M6)

Step 2: Weight the Bin

Because the dog can use quite some power it's advised to weight the bin.
We use metal bars, but you can also choose other heavy materials like lead or concrete

1. Measure the sides of the bin

2. Saw the metal bar at length (x2)

3. Tape the corresponding bars to each other with dubbel-sided tape

4. Tape the (now thicker and heavier) metal bars on the inner-sides of the bin

Step 3: Making of the Handle

1. It's advised to detach the lid before working on it
(you can see how to do this in the picture in case you have a similar bin)

2. Measure the lid, because we want to know which length the handle needs to have.

3. Saw the wooden lath to a length of → length for inside the lid (160) + length outside the bin (90) = 250 mm

4.The lath that sticks outside the lid of the bin should be smaller for the tennis balls. On the pictures there are 2 different ways suggested to cut out some of the material

5. Make 2 little holes with the drill (diameter 3 - 4 mm) on the smallest part.
We do this to make the attachment of the tennis balls easier.

Step 4: A Cutout in the Lid

1. Make a cutout in the side of the lid. You can choose if you want the handle at your right or left side.
We use a dremel for this process. And we use a file to finish of the rough edges

2. The format of the opening needs to be just large enough to stick the smallest part of the lath trough it.
Also it's better to make the cutout as close as possible to the upper surface.

3. The position of the cutout , where the handle will stick trough, is important.
It determines the height of where the dog will put his paw to close the lid.
We choose to place it at about the half of the width of the lid.

4. Put the handle through the cutout. If there is a clearance gap, it can always be filled up with another wooden lath.
We use double-sided tape to tape the part to the lid (there is little glue that sticks to Polypropylene (PP)).

Step 5: Attach the Tennis Balls to the Handle

1. Saw the wooden square stick to a length of 90-100 mm. The the balls will be pushed over this square stick.

2. Cut out the thickness of the lath or handle, but not to the end of the stick.
We need a 3 - 4 cm full square profile for putting a screw in the head-end.

3. Screw the little block on the handle ( after it is through the lid).

4. Make some holes in the tennis balls with a cutter knife.
Cut 2 holes carefully in the ball (1 on each side, so you can see through). The other ball just needs one hole.

5. Slide the balls over the stick.
If you want to be sure it stays fixed you can turn a screw in the outer tennis ball.

Step 6: Attach the Lever to the Lid

1. Position the pleated bracket on the edge of the lid.
If you have the same bin, place the bracket right above the little battery container.
Normally there is a notch provided for plastic bags, but now this extra space will be used for the plumb.

2. Mark 2 points on the lid where the bolts will go through.

3. Drill 2 holes (diameter 4 mm) on the marked spots.

4. Attach the bracket by using sunken bolts and nuts.
Washers can help to eliminate any cracking of the plastic.
For the safety and aesthetic make sure the nuts are on the inside of the lid.

Step 7: Placing the PVC-tube

1. Measuring the height of the recess. Here it is 280 mm.

2. Saw off the length on the tube.
Here we have sawn it off at 270 mm so that there is some clearance space for the cord of the plumb.

3. Saw the tube with a metal saw.
Make sure it is securely clamped during sawing.

4. Place it in the recess, behind the holder.
It is easier when you take out the battery container.

Step 8: Tie the Plumb to the Bracket

1. We don't need the wooden piece anymore.

2. Cut the rope shorter. A length of 200 mm is enough.

3. Stick the rope through the upper hole and make a double knot.

4. Put the plumb in the PVC tube.

... you are finished!

Step 9: Slippery Floor? Use Anti-slip Mat!

Cut the mat with scissors or a knife. A length of 400 mm will be perfect for this bin.

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The trashcan is a household object that is used a lot during the day. The task of opening and closing a trashcan might seem easy for everyone, but it can be a challenge for some. For people in a wheelchair the opening and closing of a trashcan can still be a hard job, even with a guidance dog.

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People with missing body parts need this device so they can have the ability to use that body part.

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Introduction: How to 3D Scan Body Parts for Prosthetic or Any Use

Use these tips and best practices to 3D scan any part of the body for any use.
In this Instructable I'm sharing 3D scanning a limb difference for CAD modeling and making a custom prosthetic device.

I most commonly use three dimensional scan data / reality capture cad geometry of the body for making garments and wearables. Aside from prosthesis, other common uses are for cad modeling, artwork, fashion design, pattern making, fitness and training, portraiture, avatars, figurines, action figures and more.

Before 3D scanning technology was available, I used to make body molds mostly from Alginate/Algiform and vermiculite or out of plaster. This was time consuming, messy and dangerous.... have you ever been under a plaster face mold?! its SCARY! I'm also remembering back to the 200lb+ body mold I made of weightlifter Justin Healy not even a decade ago and am so glad that we have other options now.

Here I share how to 3D scan body parts and limb differences with help from a very special guy Riley Gonzalez and scanning ninja Gabe Patin.

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Step 1: Background

I met Riley and his Dad Noelle through Cyborg Superheroes, a workshop for kids to build their own prosthetic devices. It was inspiring to see what the kids made over their 5 day workshop at Pier 9. Check out this article by the Guardian to learn more!

Although Riley made a super fun bow and arrow on his E-nable prosthetic, it had the same problem he often has: the connection point is uncomfortable and its heavy so he doesn't wear it that often. I was surprised to learn that on average, persons with upper limb differences only wear their prosthesis 20% of the time, mostly because they are uncomfortable and heavy. So Riley and I started working together along with mechanical engineer Kyam Krieger to create a more comfortable solution with practical applications (typing, holding his trumpet, holding his drumstick, etc).

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E-nable is a non-for profit organization which connects cad modelers, makers, volunteers and funding to provide children with limb differences a low-cost 3D printed prosthetic. Learn more about it in this supersweet video by colleague and friend Charlie Nordstrom:

Riley's silver grey 3D printed arm shown though out this Instructable was made from the Unlimbited Armand and the Phoenix Hand by colleague Andreas Bastian (check out his Instructables, he's awesome!)

The Phoenix hand has no parametric source files. Its precursor, the Raptor Reloaded has native Fusion files (and detailed documentation) like the Unlimbited arm. Everything on Riley's device is welded together with Instamorph, which is available from Amazon, as are the straps. Finally this dovetail unit can be used to modularly secure other things to the device.
Download CAD designs to make or hack your own prosthesis at:
http://www.enablecommunityfoundation.org/designs/

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Step 2: Onto 3D Scanning!

Gabe and I used Artec Spider and Eva 3D scanners to scan Riley's arm but the tips I'm sharing here apply to almost all 3D scanners, even homemade 3D scaning devices and photogrammetry.
Start with checking out this fantastic Pier 9 Guide: Artec 3D Scanners

It helps if the subject is wearing a patterned shirt. Start with a point on the shirt (I started with Riley's shoulder and sleeve), then scan the body from there, returning to that point. That pattern recognition helps the scanner to locate the data in space.

Scan all around the body part from multiple angles and scan a little beyond the part that you want to capture.

Go slow, take your time, and make multiple captures.

You may want to use Memento, a free reality capture program to process your scan data into high definition 3d meshes or quads.
You could also use this program to take 3D reality capture with photos (photogrammetry) and is a great companion to 123Dcatch and ReCap. Check out the programs' respective sites and this Instructable for more info / instructions.

TIPS by Gabe Patin.
and follow the instructions in this video:

** 3D scanning is just one step in creating a well-fitting prosthetic, and I am certain there are ways to better measure Riley's joint, stresses and pressure points through 3D scanning and reality capture, though I don't know what they are at this point. If you have suggestions or ideas, please contact me or include them in the comments!**

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Step 3: Take Thorough Measurements

Take thorough measurements of the body part(s) that you are scanning to be sure that you keep proper proportions and sizes when working with the data in your software.

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Step 4: Now That You Have Your Scan Data, What Will You Make With It?

If you are making a prosthetic device, check out the first demo on in this reel on how to make a prosthetic using Meshmixer. Meshmixer is free and makes it easy to design solid parts that fit the detailed contours of 3D scans, while also incorporating precise mechanical features.

Learn more about making prosthetics in Meshmixer and the work they are doing in Health and Medical applications, including sharing it with those in need across developing countries at http://www.meshmixer.com/health.html

Please share what you make in the comments or your own Instructable and
watch out for more Instructables as we create prosthetic devices for Riley and friends!

Happy Making!
-Amy

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# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to 3D Scan Body Parts for Prosthetic or Any Use

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Use these tips and best practices to 3D scan any part of the body for any use. In this Instructable I'm sharing 3D scanning a limb difference for CAD modeling and making a custom prosthetic device. I most commonly use three dimensional scan data / reality capture cad geometry of the body for making garments and wearables.