An Electropneumatic Weight Applicator for Stimulating the Slowly Adapting Mechanoreceptors in the Cat's Footpads

A device is described for precise stimulation of the slowly adapting mechanoreceptors in the cat's footpads. At a preset delay following the arrival of an external triggering pulse, a selected weight in the range 50 gm-2 kgm is applied for a preset duration, then lifted pneumatically. A displacement transducer provides a voltage signal proportional to the displacement of the weight.