LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON SPARX

From: Robert Jaquiss (National Federation of the Blind), Marshall Burns (Ennex  Corporation), Lawrence Roscoe (Stratasys , Inc.), Berndt Holmer (Institutet för Verkstadsteknisk Forskning)
To: RP-ML
Date: Friday, November 10, 1995
Subject: LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON SPARX
     I am looking for informatin on Sparx.  I would like to find a U. S.
vendor and hear stories from users.  I am a member of the Research and
Development Committee of the National Federation of the Blind.  I am researching
the field of Rapid Prototyping.  My goal is to identify various technologies
that can be used to make pictures, maps, diagrams and three dimential models
for the blind.  We cannot get much out of a beatiful picture.  One piece of
glossy paper feels very much like another.  Some models could be used as a
one off for use by a few people.  Other models might be used as masters for 
producing many copies.  Thank you for your assistance.
	Robert Jaquiss
Member:
National Federation of the Blind
  Research and Development Committee
Internet: robertj@tekgen.bv.tek.com
** My opinions are my own and those of Tektronix Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. **

Date: Fri, 10 Nov 1995 12:23:01 -0800 (PST)
Dear Robert,
     Braille and other applications for blind people is a new, but 
excellent, application of automated fabrication. Thank you for raising 
the idea.
     Sparx has not had a presence in the US for several years, and I'm 
not sure they have survived in Europe either. But several of the other 
autofab technologies could do the trick for you much better anyway. I 
attach some information on my company. Let me know if I can be of any 
further assistance.
Best regards,
Marshall Burns
marshall@ennex.com

To: "M. Burns (marshall@ennex.com)" <mburns@netcom.com>
Cc: roscoe@fox.mn.stratasys.COM (L.Roscoe)
Subject: RAPID PROTOTYPING FOR THE BLIND
Date: Fri, 10 Nov 95 14:16:43 PST
Hello Gentlemen:
     Thank you both for replying to my inquiry about Sparx.  Because various
kinds of models can or could be used by the blind, a variety of technologies
have applications in this area.  A Stratasys machine would be good for 
some models.  If I wanted a model with moving parts, I might need to consider
a Cubital type machine.  At this point, the National Federation of the Blind
(NFB) is mainly gathering information and a few samples to pass around and feel.
It is understood, that in order to use RP technologies, a computer file must
exist.  If I were to make a drawing or diagram, a scanner would be used to
scan an image.  Scanning software can of course produce TIFF or PCX files.
One time, as a demonstration, I scanned a map of Charlotte NC where we held our
1992 national convention.  The scanned image was edited and used to drive a 
laser cutter that carved a piece of plexiglass into the shapes of the blocks
and streets.  I affixed braille labels made from Dymo tape and the whole
piece became the master for the mold from which 30 copies were vacuum formed.
The process took a while but it worked.  Other maps have been cut using CNC 
equipment.
     In the December 1994 issue of the Scientific American, a brief mention
was made of a proffessor in Austin using a 3d scanner and a DTM system to
copy museum artifacts.  The computer files generated by the process could also
be archived for sharing.  The NFB is certainly interested in more information on
various technologies, how much they cost and the location of service
bureaus.  I am appending a copy of a speech Dr. Emerson Foulke gave on
Tangible Graphic Displays at a conference last spring.  Thank you again for writing.
	Robert Jaquiss
... [attachment]

Date: Sat, 11 Nov 1995 10:09:39 +0100
Information on Sparx:
     Robert Jaquiss asked about Sparx. I talked to the inventor, Ralf Larson, the
other day and it seems that marketing of Sparx is practically down. Since
Sparx was presented five years ago Ralf has been busy with other technically
AND commercially successful projects. Since the Sparx simpler-and-cheaper-
than-anything solution still raises interest, maybe a contact is worthwhile.
Ralf Larson is reached at Swedecopter AB, fax +46 303 774 395.
	Berndt Holmer
	IVF
	Stockholm, Sweden