Customers always demand more performance out of their backhoe-loaders, particularly on the back end. “In North America, the backhoe end of the machine is used about 70% of the time the machine is operating, so it’s always been an area of focus for our product teams,” says Kevin Hershberger, BHL marketing, Caterpillar.
Several criteria define backhoe performance. “Consider performance specs such as digging depth, forward reach and lift height for truck loading, lift capacity and breakout forces,” says George MacIntyre, global product marketing manager, Case Construction Equipment. “Other important characteristics include machine stability while roading, boom height for transport/working in confined spaces, overall machine dimensions and visibility.”
Other considerations include how much trench you can dig without repositioning the machine, and whether you can see past the boom in the trench or as it’s swinging up and over the side of a truck. “The biggest complaint from the field is the size of the boom, as operators have to look past them into the trench or over them when loading a truck,” says Jim Blower, JCB. The JCB boom is narrow in width and depth to address this issue.
Then there is the issue of strength vs. weight. “The boom has to be able to withstand all of the digging and lifting forces while being as light as possible to get the best performance,” says Blower.
“Strength is a very important attribute when designing the boom,” agrees Jamie Wright, product manager, Terex Construction Americas. “Terex uses an 8mm-thick steel tubular design with its booms, which adds considerable strength and durability to the product. Forged steel at each pivot point reduces wear on pins and bushings.”
A box-style boom design, such as found on Volvo backhoe-loaders, can combine both rigidity and light weight. “The boom is basically a box section with a forging on the bottom and the same forging on the top. It is enclosed,” explains Marcello Bargellini, backhoe product specialist, Volvo Construction Equipment.
Keeping hydraulic lines safe is another priority on any good backhoe design. For instance, many manufacturers route hydraulic lines inside the boom so they are protected, and pay special attention to areas where plumbing has to be exposed. “To the extent that is possible, we always try to use tubes (vs. hoses) for longer life,” says Bargellini.
“Neat routing of hydraulic hoses increases visibility and reduces hose damage,” says Wright. “Visibility to both the loader and backhoe is important for overall efficient operation. A well-dimensioned boom and boom placement give the operator an excellent view into the trench at any position.”
Visibility was one of the focal points in development of Case’s N Series backhoes. “Engineering put great emphasis on making sure that any modifications to the boom design to improve performance would not interfere with the operator’s line of sight to the backhoe’s work area,” says MacIntyre. “Case engineering mapped the line-of-site visibility with new boom design concepts to better understand the impact to visibility with any potential changes to the boom design.”
2011年12月20日星期二
2011年12月19日星期一
Cascade Makes a Move: Up 2.9%
One of today's stocks on the move is Cascade (NYSE:CASC), up 2.9% to $46.76. The S&P is currently trading fractionally lower to 1,219 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average is trading fractionally higher to 11,879.
Cascade Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets materials handling equipment and related technologies. The Company's products include custom hydraulic cylinders, lift truck attachments, hose reels, sideshifters, and forks. Cascade operates around the world.
Cascade has overhead space with shares priced $46.76, or 15.0% below the average consensus analyst price target of $55.00. The stock should find initial support at its 200-day moving average (MA) of $43.03 and further support at its 50-day MA of $42.05.
Over the past year, Cascade has traded in a range of $31.30 to $55.67 and is now at $46.76, 49% above that low. Over the past week, the 200-day moving average (MA) has gone down 0.2% while the 50-day MA has advanced 2.8%.
Cascade Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets materials handling equipment and related technologies. The Company's products include custom hydraulic cylinders, lift truck attachments, hose reels, sideshifters, and forks. Cascade operates around the world.
Cascade has overhead space with shares priced $46.76, or 15.0% below the average consensus analyst price target of $55.00. The stock should find initial support at its 200-day moving average (MA) of $43.03 and further support at its 50-day MA of $42.05.
Over the past year, Cascade has traded in a range of $31.30 to $55.67 and is now at $46.76, 49% above that low. Over the past week, the 200-day moving average (MA) has gone down 0.2% while the 50-day MA has advanced 2.8%.
2011年12月18日星期日
Love or hate fracking, most New Jerseyans share in lower natural gas bills
Shale gas hydraulic fracturing, colloquially called fracking, is scorned by environmental activists, but there’s no denying New Jersey natural gas customers have enjoyed the fruits of the technology.
Public Service Electric & Gas cut bills this winter by around five percent, lifting total cuts in the last two years to 35 percent. New Jersey Natural Gas, South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas Company have done likewise.
"The shale reserves in the Marcellus, in our backyard, are huge," said Kathleen Ellis, chief operating officer of New Jersey Natural Gas. "There is no arguing that the price of gas, because of increased supply, is good for our customers."
An analysis by the AARP Public Policy Institute of heating costs for seniors found natural gas customers will average $542 to heat their homes this winter, compared with $2,675 for those using fuel oil.
Those using electric heat should average around $468. That’s because while oil prices rose in recent years, electrical prices are tied to gas because of gas-fired power plants.
State officials aren’t shy about giving credit to shale gas either: when the Board of Public Utilities announced rate cuts this summer, it pointed to a new supply line—and to shale gas produced in nearby states such as Pennsylvania.
"The development of Marcellus shale has allowed New Jersey utilities to tap into natural gas reserves locally, resulting in lower delivery costs and savings for New Jersey ratepayers," said the BPU statement.
"There’s been a downward pressure on price due to greater levels of production. It’s basically a supply and demand thing," explained Amy Sweeney, a natural gas expert for the federal Energy Information Administration.
Sweeney said shale gas production flowed faster than the government reports tracking it, the most recent of which covers 2009.
"Back then it was 13 percent of supply," Sweeney said. "It very well could have doubled by now. That’s the sense that we’re getting from industry sources."
The federal government projects that by 2035, 47 percent of gas produced in the U.S. will come from shale sources.
That increased production is especially beneficial to New Jersey residents because the state has one of the highest concentrations of natural gas users in the country, according to the BPU.
The bottom line: 76 percent of New Jersey homes heat with gas, compared with 12 percent using fuel oil and kerosene and 11 percent that use electricity, according to Census Bureau data.
Public Service Electric & Gas cut bills this winter by around five percent, lifting total cuts in the last two years to 35 percent. New Jersey Natural Gas, South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas Company have done likewise.
"The shale reserves in the Marcellus, in our backyard, are huge," said Kathleen Ellis, chief operating officer of New Jersey Natural Gas. "There is no arguing that the price of gas, because of increased supply, is good for our customers."
An analysis by the AARP Public Policy Institute of heating costs for seniors found natural gas customers will average $542 to heat their homes this winter, compared with $2,675 for those using fuel oil.
Those using electric heat should average around $468. That’s because while oil prices rose in recent years, electrical prices are tied to gas because of gas-fired power plants.
State officials aren’t shy about giving credit to shale gas either: when the Board of Public Utilities announced rate cuts this summer, it pointed to a new supply line—and to shale gas produced in nearby states such as Pennsylvania.
"The development of Marcellus shale has allowed New Jersey utilities to tap into natural gas reserves locally, resulting in lower delivery costs and savings for New Jersey ratepayers," said the BPU statement.
"There’s been a downward pressure on price due to greater levels of production. It’s basically a supply and demand thing," explained Amy Sweeney, a natural gas expert for the federal Energy Information Administration.
Sweeney said shale gas production flowed faster than the government reports tracking it, the most recent of which covers 2009.
"Back then it was 13 percent of supply," Sweeney said. "It very well could have doubled by now. That’s the sense that we’re getting from industry sources."
The federal government projects that by 2035, 47 percent of gas produced in the U.S. will come from shale sources.
That increased production is especially beneficial to New Jersey residents because the state has one of the highest concentrations of natural gas users in the country, according to the BPU.
The bottom line: 76 percent of New Jersey homes heat with gas, compared with 12 percent using fuel oil and kerosene and 11 percent that use electricity, according to Census Bureau data.
2011年12月15日星期四
Hose reels from JSG Industrial Systems
Hose reels from JSG Industrial Systems are designed to offer quality, strength, durability and serviceability.
JSG’s hose reels are designed to handle hoses from 1/4" to 2" to cater for most market requirements. Hose reels can also be supplied without aluminium parts for underground coal mining applications.
Hose reels are available in manual, spring, air or hydraulic rewind configurations to meet material dispensing, ergonomic, environmental, OH&S and storage requirements.
OH&S is a major issue for companies with hoses lying around shop floors or hanging from ceilings creating risk of injury to workers. JSG’s hose reels are designed to safely rewind and store hoses away from hazardous locations on service vehicles, machinery or shop floors to facilitate a safer working environment.
Commonly dispensed products when using hose reels include air, water, oil and grease. While hoses are selected based on duty cycle, mode of retraction, product to be dispensed, hose capacity, pressure rating and flow rate, hose reel selection depends upon the intended use.
JSG’s hose reels are designed to handle hoses from 1/4" to 2" to cater for most market requirements. Hose reels can also be supplied without aluminium parts for underground coal mining applications.
Hose reels are available in manual, spring, air or hydraulic rewind configurations to meet material dispensing, ergonomic, environmental, OH&S and storage requirements.
OH&S is a major issue for companies with hoses lying around shop floors or hanging from ceilings creating risk of injury to workers. JSG’s hose reels are designed to safely rewind and store hoses away from hazardous locations on service vehicles, machinery or shop floors to facilitate a safer working environment.
Commonly dispensed products when using hose reels include air, water, oil and grease. While hoses are selected based on duty cycle, mode of retraction, product to be dispensed, hose capacity, pressure rating and flow rate, hose reel selection depends upon the intended use.
2011年12月14日星期三
Hydraulic machinery
Hydraulic machines are machinery and tools that use liquid fluid power to do simple work. Heavy equipment is a common example.
In this type of machine, hydraulic fluid is transmitted throughout the machine to various hydraulic motors and hydraulic cylinders and which becomes pressurised according to the resistance present. The fluid is controlled directly or automatically by control valves and distributed through hoses and tubes.
The popularity of hydraulic machinery is due to the very large amount of power that can be transferred through small tubes and flexible hoses, and the high power density and wide array of actuators that can make use of this power.
Hydraulic machinery is operated by the use of hydraulics, where a liquid is the powering medium.
A fundamental feature of hydraulic systems is the ability to apply force or torque multiplication in an easy way, independent of the distance between the input and output, without the need for mechanical gears or levers, either by altering the effective areas in two connected cylinders or the effective displacement (cc/rev) between a pump and motor. In normal cases, hydraulic ratios are combined with a mechanical force or torque ratio for optimum machine designs such as boom movements and trackdrives for an excavator.
If a hydraulic rotary pump with the displacement 10 cc/rev is connected to a hydraulic rotary motor with 100 cc/rev, the shaft torque required to drive the pump is 10 times less than the torque available at the motor shaft, but the shaft speed (rev/min) for the motor is 10 times less than the pump shaft speed. This combination is actually the same type of force multiplication as the cylinder example (1) just that the linear force in this case is a rotary force, defined as torque.
For the hydraulic fluid to do work, it must flow to the actuator and or motors, then return to a reservoir. The fluid is then filtered and re-pumped. The path taken by hydraulic fluid is called a hydraulic circuit of which there are several types. Open center circuits use pumps which supply a continuous flow. The flow is returned to tank through the control valve's open center; that is, when the control valve is centered, it provides an open return path to tank and the fluid is not pumped to a high pressure. Otherwise, if the control valve is actuated it routes fluid to and from an actuator and tank. The fluid's pressure will rise to meet any resistance, since the pump has a constant output. If the pressure rises too high, fluid returns to tank through a pressure relief valve. Multiple control valves may be stacked in series [1]. This type of circuit can use inexpensive, constant displacement pumps.
Closed center circuits supply full pressure to the control valves, whether any valves are actuated or not. The pumps vary their flow rate, pumping very little hydraulic fluid until the operator actuates a valve. The valve's spool therefore doesn't need an open center return path to tank. Multiple valves can be connected in a parallel arrangement and system pressure is equal for all valves.
In this type of machine, hydraulic fluid is transmitted throughout the machine to various hydraulic motors and hydraulic cylinders and which becomes pressurised according to the resistance present. The fluid is controlled directly or automatically by control valves and distributed through hoses and tubes.
The popularity of hydraulic machinery is due to the very large amount of power that can be transferred through small tubes and flexible hoses, and the high power density and wide array of actuators that can make use of this power.
Hydraulic machinery is operated by the use of hydraulics, where a liquid is the powering medium.
A fundamental feature of hydraulic systems is the ability to apply force or torque multiplication in an easy way, independent of the distance between the input and output, without the need for mechanical gears or levers, either by altering the effective areas in two connected cylinders or the effective displacement (cc/rev) between a pump and motor. In normal cases, hydraulic ratios are combined with a mechanical force or torque ratio for optimum machine designs such as boom movements and trackdrives for an excavator.
If a hydraulic rotary pump with the displacement 10 cc/rev is connected to a hydraulic rotary motor with 100 cc/rev, the shaft torque required to drive the pump is 10 times less than the torque available at the motor shaft, but the shaft speed (rev/min) for the motor is 10 times less than the pump shaft speed. This combination is actually the same type of force multiplication as the cylinder example (1) just that the linear force in this case is a rotary force, defined as torque.
For the hydraulic fluid to do work, it must flow to the actuator and or motors, then return to a reservoir. The fluid is then filtered and re-pumped. The path taken by hydraulic fluid is called a hydraulic circuit of which there are several types. Open center circuits use pumps which supply a continuous flow. The flow is returned to tank through the control valve's open center; that is, when the control valve is centered, it provides an open return path to tank and the fluid is not pumped to a high pressure. Otherwise, if the control valve is actuated it routes fluid to and from an actuator and tank. The fluid's pressure will rise to meet any resistance, since the pump has a constant output. If the pressure rises too high, fluid returns to tank through a pressure relief valve. Multiple control valves may be stacked in series [1]. This type of circuit can use inexpensive, constant displacement pumps.
Closed center circuits supply full pressure to the control valves, whether any valves are actuated or not. The pumps vary their flow rate, pumping very little hydraulic fluid until the operator actuates a valve. The valve's spool therefore doesn't need an open center return path to tank. Multiple valves can be connected in a parallel arrangement and system pressure is equal for all valves.
2011年12月13日星期二
Growing number of film, TV productions shooting in Jefferson Parish
A new building is going up on Huey P. Long Avenue in Gretna -- but it's not permanent. Rather, it's part of a set for a new movie and one of the tell-tale signs of the growing number of film and television productions taking place in Jefferson Parish.
"We continuously get to work, and we love it," said Jefferson Parish resident Valerie Ryan, who works as a location manager for local productions.
Right now, Ryan is working on a new TV cop show called "Common Law."
"They love our people," she said. "They love the food -- of course, who wouldn't like the food here? But they really like being down here."
What they also like are the incentives. Along with the 30 percent filming tax credit provided by the state, Jefferson Parish is also offering an additional 3 percent cash rebate -- the only parish in the state to do so.
"It definitely gives Jefferson Parish an advantage," said Jennifer Van Vrancken, Jefferson Parish's Film Liaison.
That rebate translates into big bucks. This year alone, the parish issued eight film incentive rebate checks, totaling $347,739.
However, those eight productions spent a combined total of $15,398,396 in Jefferson Parish. It's not just the three percent rebate that productions find attractive here-- it's also what they call the "visual diversity" of Jefferson Parish.
"We have beaches in Grand Isle, swamps in Lafitte, beautiful homes in Old Metairie," said Van Vrancken, "but it's the bottom line, the dollars that we offer them back, for being here."
Those dollars are helping the Elmwood area of Jefferson Parish become a production hub.
"It was the place to be for production. We moved into a building that's owned by another production company, called Moxie Media, so we're kind of brother/sister companies," said Will Morrow of Full Motion Productions. "It seems every time I go down a different street, I'm seeing a production company pop up."
Those productions dollars are spreading to other businesses, including a 15 percent increase in business for Stan Benoit. He owns "Hose Guys," a hydraulic hose company, which works on pyrotechnics for movies in Jefferson Parish.
"Who would think that a hydraulic hose company would have that much to offer to a movie set or a movie studio, in filming movies? It really surprised me," Benoit said.
There were 24 film productions in Jefferson Parish this year -- up from approximately 14 the year before.
"We continuously get to work, and we love it," said Jefferson Parish resident Valerie Ryan, who works as a location manager for local productions.
Right now, Ryan is working on a new TV cop show called "Common Law."
"They love our people," she said. "They love the food -- of course, who wouldn't like the food here? But they really like being down here."
What they also like are the incentives. Along with the 30 percent filming tax credit provided by the state, Jefferson Parish is also offering an additional 3 percent cash rebate -- the only parish in the state to do so.
"It definitely gives Jefferson Parish an advantage," said Jennifer Van Vrancken, Jefferson Parish's Film Liaison.
That rebate translates into big bucks. This year alone, the parish issued eight film incentive rebate checks, totaling $347,739.
However, those eight productions spent a combined total of $15,398,396 in Jefferson Parish. It's not just the three percent rebate that productions find attractive here-- it's also what they call the "visual diversity" of Jefferson Parish.
"We have beaches in Grand Isle, swamps in Lafitte, beautiful homes in Old Metairie," said Van Vrancken, "but it's the bottom line, the dollars that we offer them back, for being here."
Those dollars are helping the Elmwood area of Jefferson Parish become a production hub.
"It was the place to be for production. We moved into a building that's owned by another production company, called Moxie Media, so we're kind of brother/sister companies," said Will Morrow of Full Motion Productions. "It seems every time I go down a different street, I'm seeing a production company pop up."
Those productions dollars are spreading to other businesses, including a 15 percent increase in business for Stan Benoit. He owns "Hose Guys," a hydraulic hose company, which works on pyrotechnics for movies in Jefferson Parish.
"Who would think that a hydraulic hose company would have that much to offer to a movie set or a movie studio, in filming movies? It really surprised me," Benoit said.
There were 24 film productions in Jefferson Parish this year -- up from approximately 14 the year before.
2011年12月12日星期一
MORGAN v. WORKERS' COMPENSATION APPEAL BOARD
Kinder Morgan petitions for review of an adjudication of the Workers' Compensation Appeal Board (Board) granting benefits to William Flanagan . In doing so, the Board affirmed the decision of the Workers' Compensation Judge (WCJ) that Claimant's stroke was triggered by the physical exertion of cleaning up a chemical spill at work and, thus, work-related. Employer argues that the Board erred in awarding benefits because Claimant did not give it timely notice that the stroke was work-related.
Claimant filed a claim petition on October 4, 2008, alleging that he suffered a stroke caused by over-exertion while in the course of his job with Employer. Employer filed a timely answer denying the allegations and contending that Claimant did not advise Employer that his stroke was work-related within days of the work injury, as required by Section 311 of the Workers' Compensation Act , 77 P.S. 631.1 The matter was assigned to a WCJ.
Claimant testified before the WCJ that he worked as an Assistant Terminal Manager at Employer's facility, which handles transfers of chemicals transported by ship. On October 4, 2008, Claimant inspected a disabled crane at the facility, getting down on his hands and knees to take pictures of a damaged hydraulic hose and fitting. Then, after walking up a 750 foot catwalk, he noticed a spill of the chemical known as urea. Claimant began cleaning up the spill by shoveling the urea onto two belts, a process Claimant described as akin to breaking ice on a driveway. As Claimant was pushing and shoveling the urea he felt a strange sensation in his face and became dizzy. By the time he returned to his office, approximately 30 minutes later, he was sweating and still dizzy. Claimant's secretary called 911, and he was taken to the hospital. There it was determined that he had suffered a stroke, and he was hospitalized for several weeks.
Because of his stroke, Claimant had difficulty communicating verbally with doctors and other staff. He communicated mainly by nodding or shaking his head. Claimant's direct supervisor, James Shine, visited him in the hospital. Claimant testified that when Shine asked Claimant what happened, he told Shine that he was shoveling urea when "something happened" and he suddenly had a "weird feeling." Reproduced Record at 16a .
Claimant testified that he continues to suffer the effects of his stroke, including a dropped right foot, which renders him unable to perform his previous job. Claimant stated that he broke his right arm when he fell in his daughter's back yard after his right foot failed him.
Claimant filed a claim petition on October 4, 2008, alleging that he suffered a stroke caused by over-exertion while in the course of his job with Employer. Employer filed a timely answer denying the allegations and contending that Claimant did not advise Employer that his stroke was work-related within days of the work injury, as required by Section 311 of the Workers' Compensation Act , 77 P.S. 631.1 The matter was assigned to a WCJ.
Claimant testified before the WCJ that he worked as an Assistant Terminal Manager at Employer's facility, which handles transfers of chemicals transported by ship. On October 4, 2008, Claimant inspected a disabled crane at the facility, getting down on his hands and knees to take pictures of a damaged hydraulic hose and fitting. Then, after walking up a 750 foot catwalk, he noticed a spill of the chemical known as urea. Claimant began cleaning up the spill by shoveling the urea onto two belts, a process Claimant described as akin to breaking ice on a driveway. As Claimant was pushing and shoveling the urea he felt a strange sensation in his face and became dizzy. By the time he returned to his office, approximately 30 minutes later, he was sweating and still dizzy. Claimant's secretary called 911, and he was taken to the hospital. There it was determined that he had suffered a stroke, and he was hospitalized for several weeks.
Because of his stroke, Claimant had difficulty communicating verbally with doctors and other staff. He communicated mainly by nodding or shaking his head. Claimant's direct supervisor, James Shine, visited him in the hospital. Claimant testified that when Shine asked Claimant what happened, he told Shine that he was shoveling urea when "something happened" and he suddenly had a "weird feeling." Reproduced Record at 16a .
Claimant testified that he continues to suffer the effects of his stroke, including a dropped right foot, which renders him unable to perform his previous job. Claimant stated that he broke his right arm when he fell in his daughter's back yard after his right foot failed him.
2011年12月11日星期日
Tech universe: Monday 12 December
Take a jetski and attach a massive hose to it. At the other end of the hose add a Flyboard with boots and nozzles. Now start the engine, step into the boots and start flying through the air, courtesy of your jet-powered boots. The video shows the rider flying in the air, diving into and out of the water and even doing somersaults. Start practising your deep breathing. More details at the Zapata Racing and video here.
The Australians will soon be testing a wave energy generator off the coast of Victoria. The bioWAVE generator sways back and forth beneath the waves like kelp. As it does so it pressurises hydraulic fluid to create electricity that's sent ashore via undersea cable. If the swells are too large the unit lies flat against the sea floor for protection. It's a pity we can't just tap directly into kelp. Bio Power Systems has details.
SLEEK SWIMMERS: Swimming can be a real drag — the water clings to a swimmer's body and drag forces slow them down. With the 20012 Olympics coming up Speedo have released their Fastskin3 line of swimwear that claims to reduce full body passive drag by about 16%.
Suits feature compression zones designed to flatten the body to create a straight line. One drawback: it takes a swimmer between 15 and 60 minutes to actually put the suit on. The Olympic swimmers will just need to suit up in the morning and stay in the suit all day.
Wave pools aren't specially new, but their running costs are a problem. Wavegarden, high in the Basque Pyrenees mountains, uses a special underwater hydrodynamic mould that resembles a plane wing, to push a wave ahead of it, creating an inland spot for surfers. To counter the problem of energy reflecting off the sides of the pool and interfering with the main wave they've made sure the sides of the pool are angled away. Pro surfers rank the shape of the waves at Wavegarden as a 10, even though they'd like the waves to be bigger and more powerful. The designers say more power is simply a matter of money. It's always a matter of money. Popular Science has more.
When the massive earthquake off Japan struck this year it did more than just cause a catastrophic tsunami. It actually changed Earth's gravitational field enough to affect the orbits of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment satellites 500 Km above Earth. Researchers can use changes in the orbits of those satellites to estimate the magnitude and location of huge earthquakes. Their calculations suggest that the Japan earthquake was a little stronger and deeper than ground-based scientists had determined. That was a quake with truly far-reaching effects. New Scientist.
The Australians will soon be testing a wave energy generator off the coast of Victoria. The bioWAVE generator sways back and forth beneath the waves like kelp. As it does so it pressurises hydraulic fluid to create electricity that's sent ashore via undersea cable. If the swells are too large the unit lies flat against the sea floor for protection. It's a pity we can't just tap directly into kelp. Bio Power Systems has details.
SLEEK SWIMMERS: Swimming can be a real drag — the water clings to a swimmer's body and drag forces slow them down. With the 20012 Olympics coming up Speedo have released their Fastskin3 line of swimwear that claims to reduce full body passive drag by about 16%.
Suits feature compression zones designed to flatten the body to create a straight line. One drawback: it takes a swimmer between 15 and 60 minutes to actually put the suit on. The Olympic swimmers will just need to suit up in the morning and stay in the suit all day.
Wave pools aren't specially new, but their running costs are a problem. Wavegarden, high in the Basque Pyrenees mountains, uses a special underwater hydrodynamic mould that resembles a plane wing, to push a wave ahead of it, creating an inland spot for surfers. To counter the problem of energy reflecting off the sides of the pool and interfering with the main wave they've made sure the sides of the pool are angled away. Pro surfers rank the shape of the waves at Wavegarden as a 10, even though they'd like the waves to be bigger and more powerful. The designers say more power is simply a matter of money. It's always a matter of money. Popular Science has more.
When the massive earthquake off Japan struck this year it did more than just cause a catastrophic tsunami. It actually changed Earth's gravitational field enough to affect the orbits of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment satellites 500 Km above Earth. Researchers can use changes in the orbits of those satellites to estimate the magnitude and location of huge earthquakes. Their calculations suggest that the Japan earthquake was a little stronger and deeper than ground-based scientists had determined. That was a quake with truly far-reaching effects. New Scientist.
2011年12月8日星期四
NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 7 December 2011
After wakeup, FE-1 Shkaplerov performed the routine inspection of the SM PSS Caution & Warning panel as part of regular Daily Morning Inspection.
CDR Burbank conducted Part 1 of the periodic personal acoustic measurement protocol, distributing crew-worn acoustic dosimeters from the SMK to the Increment 30 crew, i.e., Anatoly, Anton & himself, for a 24-hr data take.
Working on the SODI-COLLOID (Selectable Optical Diagnostics Instrument - Colloid) hardware in the MSG WV (Work Volume) in COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory), Dan supported subsequent ground-commanded operations by exchanging the DSC (Diffusion Soret Coefficient) Flash Disk from the Colloid Flash Disk Container.
Anton Shkaplerov conducted the regular (weekly) inspection of the replaceable half-coupling of the 4GB4 hydraulic unit of the KOB-2 (Loop 2) of the Russian SOTR Thermal Control System, checking for coolant fluid hermeticity (leak-tightness).
Afterwards, FE-1 took a documentary photograph of the air duct fastening on SM panel 101, and also of fastening locations of the VN1 & VN2 fans on SM panels 219 and 305. Images were then transferred to OCA for downlink.
Ivanishin undertook his first session with the Russian behavioral assessment TIPOLOGIA (MBI-20), setting up the workstation, connecting equipment, suiting up and launching the program on the RSK1 laptop. [Shkaplerov stood by to assist Anatoly in donning the electrode cap, preparing the head for the electrodes and applying electrode gel from the Neurolab-RM2 kit. Data were recorded on a PCMCIA memory card and downlinked via OCA comm. MBI-20 studies typological features of operator activity of the ISS crews in long-term space flight phases, with the subject using a cap with EEG (electroencephalogram) electrodes. The experiment, which records EEGs, consists of the Luescher test, "adaptive biological control" training, and the games Minesweeper and Tetris. The Luescher color diagnostic is a psychological test which measures a person's psychophysical state, his/her ability to withstand stress, to perform and to communicate. It is believed to help uncover the cause of psychological stress, which can lead to physical symptoms. An EEG measures and records the electrical activity of the brain.]
With the Lab camcorder configured to provide live views, Dan Burbank worked several hours on the PACE (Preliminary Advanced Colloids Experiment) science payload in the FIR FCF (Fluids Integrated Rack Fluids & Combustion Facility), configuring the hardware, cleaning out oil from the AFC (Auxiliary Fluids Container), removing the old sample and starting the processing of tissue sample #2002. [PACE is an interesting Technology experiment, designed to investigate the capability of conducting high magnification colloid experiments with the LMM (Light Microscopy Module) for determining the minimum size particles which can be resolved with it.
Today's activity steps included opening the FIR doors, then cleaning up oil from inside the AFC and removing PACE sample #2004 from the PACE Test Target. Next, Dan retrieved tissue sample #2002, mounted the PACE test target and installed the sample and the PACE oil dispenser into the LMM AFC. The AFC front door was closed and the oil started to be dispensed onto the sample. The LMM Spindle Bracket Assembly was then rotated to the Operate position and the rack doors were closed. The new experiment run, which uses the newly installed PACE LED (Light-Emitting Diode) Base to allow illumination from below the samples (or trans-illumination), will enable the ground to use the LMM microscope to examine tissue and particle samples and also characterize the microscope for ACE (Advanced Colloids Experiment) scheduled to begin in 2012.
ACE Objective: To remove gravitational jamming and sedimentation so that it is possible to observe how order arises out of disorder and to learn to control this process. Small colloidal particles can be used to model atomic systems and to engineer new systems. Colloids are big enough (in comparison to atoms) to be seen and big enough that their evolution can be recorded with a camera. With a confocal microscope, templates, and grids, we can observe this process in 3-D and learn to control it.]
CDR Burbank conducted Part 1 of the periodic personal acoustic measurement protocol, distributing crew-worn acoustic dosimeters from the SMK to the Increment 30 crew, i.e., Anatoly, Anton & himself, for a 24-hr data take.
Working on the SODI-COLLOID (Selectable Optical Diagnostics Instrument - Colloid) hardware in the MSG WV (Work Volume) in COL (Columbus Orbital Laboratory), Dan supported subsequent ground-commanded operations by exchanging the DSC (Diffusion Soret Coefficient) Flash Disk from the Colloid Flash Disk Container.
Anton Shkaplerov conducted the regular (weekly) inspection of the replaceable half-coupling of the 4GB4 hydraulic unit of the KOB-2 (Loop 2) of the Russian SOTR Thermal Control System, checking for coolant fluid hermeticity (leak-tightness).
Afterwards, FE-1 took a documentary photograph of the air duct fastening on SM panel 101, and also of fastening locations of the VN1 & VN2 fans on SM panels 219 and 305. Images were then transferred to OCA for downlink.
Ivanishin undertook his first session with the Russian behavioral assessment TIPOLOGIA (MBI-20), setting up the workstation, connecting equipment, suiting up and launching the program on the RSK1 laptop. [Shkaplerov stood by to assist Anatoly in donning the electrode cap, preparing the head for the electrodes and applying electrode gel from the Neurolab-RM2 kit. Data were recorded on a PCMCIA memory card and downlinked via OCA comm. MBI-20 studies typological features of operator activity of the ISS crews in long-term space flight phases, with the subject using a cap with EEG (electroencephalogram) electrodes. The experiment, which records EEGs, consists of the Luescher test, "adaptive biological control" training, and the games Minesweeper and Tetris. The Luescher color diagnostic is a psychological test which measures a person's psychophysical state, his/her ability to withstand stress, to perform and to communicate. It is believed to help uncover the cause of psychological stress, which can lead to physical symptoms. An EEG measures and records the electrical activity of the brain.]
With the Lab camcorder configured to provide live views, Dan Burbank worked several hours on the PACE (Preliminary Advanced Colloids Experiment) science payload in the FIR FCF (Fluids Integrated Rack Fluids & Combustion Facility), configuring the hardware, cleaning out oil from the AFC (Auxiliary Fluids Container), removing the old sample and starting the processing of tissue sample #2002. [PACE is an interesting Technology experiment, designed to investigate the capability of conducting high magnification colloid experiments with the LMM (Light Microscopy Module) for determining the minimum size particles which can be resolved with it.
Today's activity steps included opening the FIR doors, then cleaning up oil from inside the AFC and removing PACE sample #2004 from the PACE Test Target. Next, Dan retrieved tissue sample #2002, mounted the PACE test target and installed the sample and the PACE oil dispenser into the LMM AFC. The AFC front door was closed and the oil started to be dispensed onto the sample. The LMM Spindle Bracket Assembly was then rotated to the Operate position and the rack doors were closed. The new experiment run, which uses the newly installed PACE LED (Light-Emitting Diode) Base to allow illumination from below the samples (or trans-illumination), will enable the ground to use the LMM microscope to examine tissue and particle samples and also characterize the microscope for ACE (Advanced Colloids Experiment) scheduled to begin in 2012.
ACE Objective: To remove gravitational jamming and sedimentation so that it is possible to observe how order arises out of disorder and to learn to control this process. Small colloidal particles can be used to model atomic systems and to engineer new systems. Colloids are big enough (in comparison to atoms) to be seen and big enough that their evolution can be recorded with a camera. With a confocal microscope, templates, and grids, we can observe this process in 3-D and learn to control it.]
2011年12月7日星期三
Six Detroit buses destroyed in fire at DDOT maintenance facility
Fire department sources tell Action News that six DDOT buses were destroyed in an accidental fire, at the Coolidge bus yard this morning.
Detroit firefighters were called to the two alarm fire at the DDOT maintenance facility early Wednesday morning that took several hours to put out.
The facility is located on the city's west side on the 14000 block of Schaefer where Senior Chief Mike Herron says the buses were engulfed in flames and the roof collapsed above them.
Herron says the buses were contained by a firewall to separate them from the rest of the fleet.
Firefighters used foam inside the building as there were no hydrants available. "I am very proud of how the men responded," said the chief, "We had a limited supply of water."
There are reports that the sprinkler system inside the building was not working.
Black smoke from hundreds of gallons of diesel fuel blew toward nearby homes. Authorities monitored the air quality and were concerned over smoke damage. They are uncertain if hydraulic fluid may have caught fire.
Officials do not believe bus service will be affected today as firefighters were allowing drivers into the yard to access their buses.
One firefighter is reported to have slightly injured his shoulder while pulling a hose across the yard.
Dozens of fire trucks as well as a HazMat team were on the scene.
Detroit spokesperson Steve Serkaian tells Action News that the buses, worth $350,000 each are insured. Serkaian says the damage would have been much worse had the employees not acted so promptly. "Several mechanics and bus drivers put themselves at risk to drive other buses through the black smoke so they would be safe."
Detroit firefighters were called to the two alarm fire at the DDOT maintenance facility early Wednesday morning that took several hours to put out.
The facility is located on the city's west side on the 14000 block of Schaefer where Senior Chief Mike Herron says the buses were engulfed in flames and the roof collapsed above them.
Herron says the buses were contained by a firewall to separate them from the rest of the fleet.
Firefighters used foam inside the building as there were no hydrants available. "I am very proud of how the men responded," said the chief, "We had a limited supply of water."
There are reports that the sprinkler system inside the building was not working.
Black smoke from hundreds of gallons of diesel fuel blew toward nearby homes. Authorities monitored the air quality and were concerned over smoke damage. They are uncertain if hydraulic fluid may have caught fire.
Officials do not believe bus service will be affected today as firefighters were allowing drivers into the yard to access their buses.
One firefighter is reported to have slightly injured his shoulder while pulling a hose across the yard.
Dozens of fire trucks as well as a HazMat team were on the scene.
Detroit spokesperson Steve Serkaian tells Action News that the buses, worth $350,000 each are insured. Serkaian says the damage would have been much worse had the employees not acted so promptly. "Several mechanics and bus drivers put themselves at risk to drive other buses through the black smoke so they would be safe."
2011年12月6日星期二
Circuit-breaker at heart of LOT 767 gear-up landing probe
Investigation into the LOT Boeing gear-up landing at Warsaw are focusing on the role of circuit-breakers, after the twinjet's undercarriage failed to deploy following a hydraulic leak.
The aircraft had departed Newark, bound for Warsaw, on 1 November when, during flap and gear retraction, the engine indication and crew alerting system warned of a malfunction in the central hydraulic system, which was suffering a loss of pressure.
Having opted to continue the flight to the Polish capital, the LOT crew carried out a quick-reference handbook procedure which included use of alternate landing-gear extension.
But the gear failed to extend and the aircraft was vectored to a holding pattern while combat aircraft were sent to observe the state of the undercarriage. The crew attempted to use gravity extension to lower the gear but this was unsuccessful, and diminishing fuel levels forced the crew to consider a gear-up landing.
The 767 landed on Runway 33 with its gear retracted, about 1h 15min after declaring the initial emergency. It came to a halt around 2,000m along the strip, where Runway 33 and Runway 29 intersect.
Preliminary inspection of the aircraft traced the central hydraulic system problem to a fluid leak from a damaged hose in the starboard main landing-gear.
But it also revealed that while the individual circuit-breaker for the alternate landing-gear extension motor was 'on', an overarching battery bus circuit-breaker - which protects several systems including the alternate landing-gear extension motor - was 'off'.
Polish investigation authority PKBWL said this 'off' position "was not recorded or indicated" either by the EICAS or the flight-data recorder of the 767.
Suspicion over the role of the circuit-breaker in the accident heightened during a test carried out as the aircraft was being recovered from the runway using cranes and air-bags.
After connecting a ground-power unit to the 767, and switching the battery bus circuit-breaker on, investigators successfully used the alternate landing-gear extension system to lower the undercarriage - enabling the aircraft to be towed to LOT's technical facilities.
"Functional tests of the entire electrical installation of the alternate landing-gear extension system are being conducted," said PKBWL.
None of the 221 passengers and 10 crew members was injured.
The aircraft had departed Newark, bound for Warsaw, on 1 November when, during flap and gear retraction, the engine indication and crew alerting system warned of a malfunction in the central hydraulic system, which was suffering a loss of pressure.
Having opted to continue the flight to the Polish capital, the LOT crew carried out a quick-reference handbook procedure which included use of alternate landing-gear extension.
But the gear failed to extend and the aircraft was vectored to a holding pattern while combat aircraft were sent to observe the state of the undercarriage. The crew attempted to use gravity extension to lower the gear but this was unsuccessful, and diminishing fuel levels forced the crew to consider a gear-up landing.
The 767 landed on Runway 33 with its gear retracted, about 1h 15min after declaring the initial emergency. It came to a halt around 2,000m along the strip, where Runway 33 and Runway 29 intersect.
Preliminary inspection of the aircraft traced the central hydraulic system problem to a fluid leak from a damaged hose in the starboard main landing-gear.
But it also revealed that while the individual circuit-breaker for the alternate landing-gear extension motor was 'on', an overarching battery bus circuit-breaker - which protects several systems including the alternate landing-gear extension motor - was 'off'.
Polish investigation authority PKBWL said this 'off' position "was not recorded or indicated" either by the EICAS or the flight-data recorder of the 767.
Suspicion over the role of the circuit-breaker in the accident heightened during a test carried out as the aircraft was being recovered from the runway using cranes and air-bags.
After connecting a ground-power unit to the 767, and switching the battery bus circuit-breaker on, investigators successfully used the alternate landing-gear extension system to lower the undercarriage - enabling the aircraft to be towed to LOT's technical facilities.
"Functional tests of the entire electrical installation of the alternate landing-gear extension system are being conducted," said PKBWL.
None of the 221 passengers and 10 crew members was injured.
2011年12月5日星期一
Polish delicatessen gutted by fire following burglary
A POLISH delicatessen in Northampton was gutted by fire yesterday morning after burglars broke in to the shop.
Dozens of firefighters were called to the Best Pol Delicatessen, in Barrack Road, shortly after 3.20am on Sunday.
Firefighters had to initially cut through metal protective shutters to get into the shop, which specialises in Eastern European produce, before battling the flames.
The ground floor of the shop was badly scorched by the flames, with much of the shop’s stock completely destroyed.
Yesterday morning a handwritten Polish note had been stuck on the shop door explaining the convenience store had been closed because of the fire.
The owners of the shop were not available for comment yesterday.
Fire investigators, as well as police scenes of crime officers (SOCO), were at the convenience store examining the building until around lunchtime.
And last night, fire investigators confirmed the cause of the blaze was deliberate ignition, with police detectives believing the fire was started after a break-in.
One shocked local shopkeeper, who woke in the night to the sound of fire crews trying to gain entry to the shop, said he had been shocked by the incident.
He said: “I heard the fire brigade there. There were five fire engines and the road and pavement were sealed off.
“They were trying to cut through the shutters to get into the shop, that was all I saw.
“There was smoke coming from the roof and by about 5.30am they had finished and the fire was out.
“The police were then there in the morning before somebody came to board up the doors.
“Forensic officers then arrived to look for fingerprints. It is a shock.”
Firefighters from The Mounts, two crews from Moulton as well as another crew from Mereway and a technical rescue vehicle were all sent to deal with the fire.
Crews used hydraulic equipment, two hose reels, a jet, as well as gas monitors and thermal imaging cameras while fighting the blaze.
A spokesman for Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue said the fire had “severely damaged” both the shop and its contents.
Dozens of firefighters were called to the Best Pol Delicatessen, in Barrack Road, shortly after 3.20am on Sunday.
Firefighters had to initially cut through metal protective shutters to get into the shop, which specialises in Eastern European produce, before battling the flames.
The ground floor of the shop was badly scorched by the flames, with much of the shop’s stock completely destroyed.
Yesterday morning a handwritten Polish note had been stuck on the shop door explaining the convenience store had been closed because of the fire.
The owners of the shop were not available for comment yesterday.
Fire investigators, as well as police scenes of crime officers (SOCO), were at the convenience store examining the building until around lunchtime.
And last night, fire investigators confirmed the cause of the blaze was deliberate ignition, with police detectives believing the fire was started after a break-in.
One shocked local shopkeeper, who woke in the night to the sound of fire crews trying to gain entry to the shop, said he had been shocked by the incident.
He said: “I heard the fire brigade there. There were five fire engines and the road and pavement were sealed off.
“They were trying to cut through the shutters to get into the shop, that was all I saw.
“There was smoke coming from the roof and by about 5.30am they had finished and the fire was out.
“The police were then there in the morning before somebody came to board up the doors.
“Forensic officers then arrived to look for fingerprints. It is a shock.”
Firefighters from The Mounts, two crews from Moulton as well as another crew from Mereway and a technical rescue vehicle were all sent to deal with the fire.
Crews used hydraulic equipment, two hose reels, a jet, as well as gas monitors and thermal imaging cameras while fighting the blaze.
A spokesman for Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue said the fire had “severely damaged” both the shop and its contents.
2011年12月4日星期日
A SMALL LOCAL CARAVAN PARK HAS OUTSHONE SOME OF QUEENSLAND'S BIGGEST TOURISM OPERATORS
A small caravan park in the relatively unknown fishing village of Kurrimine Beach has just out shone some of the states biggest tourism operators winning the Tourism Queensland campaign to find the states best tourism customer service ambassadors.
Park owners Kay and Marcus Kitchen - and managers Corey and Tracey Patterson - wowed the judges with their diary of a typical week.
"The way Kurrimine goes above and beyond for guests ... shows how they are striving for excellence on every occasion," said TQ executive director Steve McRoberts, a member of the judging panel which awarded the $10,000 prize.
Kay Kitchen, owner of the Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park accredits the award winning service to "creating a fun and friendly environment and remembering to treat guests as you would like to be treated".
Winning the award has been a tonic for the park at the end of a tough year, which started when Cyclone Yasi blew through, damaging cabins and taking out gardens and fences.
The park was operational again within weeks, but Marcus Kitchen then broke his arm whilst cleaning up. There was worse to come - using his bobcat to put out a fire down the road, a hydraulic hose broke spraying him with burning fluid, resulting in burns to 35 per cent of his body.
With Mr and Mrs Kitchen travelling regularly to the burns unit in Brisbane, they brought in Mr and Mrs Patterson to help run the park.
We are at the southern end of Kurrimine Beach, a quiet fishing village untouched by major development. Our Holiday Park, set in lush tropical gardens, is the ideal place for a relaxing holiday, lots of fun for the kids and a perfect base to explore the beautiful Cassowary Coast.
Kurrimine Beach is an unspoilt tropical holiday destination with the Great Barrier Reef on its doorstep. The spirit and hospitality of old North Queensland is still alive in the picturesque fishing hamlet. It has become a haven for those who appreciate the laid back style of holidaying and relaxation.
Park owners Kay and Marcus Kitchen - and managers Corey and Tracey Patterson - wowed the judges with their diary of a typical week.
"The way Kurrimine goes above and beyond for guests ... shows how they are striving for excellence on every occasion," said TQ executive director Steve McRoberts, a member of the judging panel which awarded the $10,000 prize.
Kay Kitchen, owner of the Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park accredits the award winning service to "creating a fun and friendly environment and remembering to treat guests as you would like to be treated".
Winning the award has been a tonic for the park at the end of a tough year, which started when Cyclone Yasi blew through, damaging cabins and taking out gardens and fences.
The park was operational again within weeks, but Marcus Kitchen then broke his arm whilst cleaning up. There was worse to come - using his bobcat to put out a fire down the road, a hydraulic hose broke spraying him with burning fluid, resulting in burns to 35 per cent of his body.
With Mr and Mrs Kitchen travelling regularly to the burns unit in Brisbane, they brought in Mr and Mrs Patterson to help run the park.
We are at the southern end of Kurrimine Beach, a quiet fishing village untouched by major development. Our Holiday Park, set in lush tropical gardens, is the ideal place for a relaxing holiday, lots of fun for the kids and a perfect base to explore the beautiful Cassowary Coast.
Kurrimine Beach is an unspoilt tropical holiday destination with the Great Barrier Reef on its doorstep. The spirit and hospitality of old North Queensland is still alive in the picturesque fishing hamlet. It has become a haven for those who appreciate the laid back style of holidaying and relaxation.
2011年12月1日星期四
Sprint Auto Parts Victor Harbor
Sprint Auto Parts Victor Harbor will celebrate its first birthday on Saturday, December 3 from 9am to 2pm and everyone is invited.
There will be a sausage sizzle and soft drinks available, with proceeds going to the Port Elliot Kindergarten.
Happy FM will be broadcasting live from the carpark, and on display wil be camping goods from OzTent, McIlroy Auto Group vehicles, and show cars and racing quad bikes.
A free raffle ticket for every $20 spent in store (for example, spend $100 receive five tickets) will be given out and winners will be drawn at 2pm on the day.
There will also be give-aways including showbags and balloons.
Sprint Auto Parts offer a huge range of automotive parts and accessories in store, and are open seven days a week.
Their first priority is to offer exceptional customer service, taking the time to listen to enquiries and offer professional advice from highly experienced team members.
With a vast range of suppliers Australia-wide, and a warehouse at Mawson Lakes, the team is able to source thousands of items quickly and economically.
Sprint Auto Parts is a South Australian owned and operated company, and with 35 stores they are able to offer highly competitive pricing throughout the range.
They are constantly evaluating the needs of their customers and expanding the scope of the products to suit.
Some of the products and services currently on offer include enzed hydraulic hose manufacture and repair, paint mixing to match vehicle codes - everything from touch-up bottles and aerosol cans to four-litre tins, custom-made battery cable manufacture, a huge range of high tensile fasteners in metric and imperial sizes, and new ranges in stock such as Sidchrome tools, OzTent camping equipment, Stomp bar runners, and an extended seat cover range.
Sprint Auto Parts’ eight page Christmas catalogue is out now, and there’s something for everyone, such as a 48-piece tool kit with a metal case for the home handyman, bar runners featuring classic vehicles for the enthusiast, and even something for the kids with a Roary the Racing Car Workshop Manual.
There will be a sausage sizzle and soft drinks available, with proceeds going to the Port Elliot Kindergarten.
Happy FM will be broadcasting live from the carpark, and on display wil be camping goods from OzTent, McIlroy Auto Group vehicles, and show cars and racing quad bikes.
A free raffle ticket for every $20 spent in store (for example, spend $100 receive five tickets) will be given out and winners will be drawn at 2pm on the day.
There will also be give-aways including showbags and balloons.
Sprint Auto Parts offer a huge range of automotive parts and accessories in store, and are open seven days a week.
Their first priority is to offer exceptional customer service, taking the time to listen to enquiries and offer professional advice from highly experienced team members.
With a vast range of suppliers Australia-wide, and a warehouse at Mawson Lakes, the team is able to source thousands of items quickly and economically.
Sprint Auto Parts is a South Australian owned and operated company, and with 35 stores they are able to offer highly competitive pricing throughout the range.
They are constantly evaluating the needs of their customers and expanding the scope of the products to suit.
Some of the products and services currently on offer include enzed hydraulic hose manufacture and repair, paint mixing to match vehicle codes - everything from touch-up bottles and aerosol cans to four-litre tins, custom-made battery cable manufacture, a huge range of high tensile fasteners in metric and imperial sizes, and new ranges in stock such as Sidchrome tools, OzTent camping equipment, Stomp bar runners, and an extended seat cover range.
Sprint Auto Parts’ eight page Christmas catalogue is out now, and there’s something for everyone, such as a 48-piece tool kit with a metal case for the home handyman, bar runners featuring classic vehicles for the enthusiast, and even something for the kids with a Roary the Racing Car Workshop Manual.
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