Operate Machinery with Retainer

Posted on: February 24th, 2012

“Many people with debilitating conditions rely on sip and puff technology to get around, which is relatively lo-fi by some standards. Now, a special retainer with magnetic sensors could bring mobility into the smartphone age. Developed at Georgia Tech, the Tongue Drive System uses a magnetic piercing to track lingual gestures. The sensors then transmit data to an iOS app that translates it to on-screen or a joystick movement. Earlier versions used a headset, but the prototype revealed at the International Solid State Circuits Conference in San Francisco, is hoped to be more comfortable and discreet. The system is currently being trialled by 11 participants with high-level spinal-cord injuries, with larger trials planned.”

Read entire article

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3D Printing for Manufacturers

Posted on: January 10th, 2012

3D printers are more affordable when developing prototypes of a new product, for manufacturers, or machines, for an OEM.

“Unlike conventional manufacturing, where products are often mass-produced overseas, 3D printing allows companies to print customized items when and where they’re needed, cutting the costs of materials and shipping goods like shoes from China to U.S. store shelves and then to outlets if they don’t sell. The technology, also called additive manufacturing, makes it possible to build products in remote places, such as outer space. NASA is looking at 3D printing as a possible means of creating replacement parts and tools on the International Space Station.”

See the 3D printer in action.

To read the entire Businessweek article click here.

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PET Preform Plastic Injection Molding

Posted on: April 26th, 2011

I found this picture and video on another blog. I’m always interested in seeing how day-to-day items are made and wanted to share. Thanks- 22 Words.

Before it’s formed (via TYWKIWDBI)

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Personal Rapid Transit (PRT)

Posted on: March 31st, 2011

There has been an increasing interest in expanding PRT Systems in more metro areas; a concept that has been around more than 50 years. PRT has been equated to an automated taxi; similar to light rail but each car only holds 4 to 6 people. It’s already being utilized at Heathrow Airport in London and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

The United States does not currently have a PRT system anywhere but the three foreign manufacturers of this technology would like to open plants in the US to build such systems.

US manufacturers are well poised in mobile and green technology to take advantage of this new industry that could very well become a reality as gas prices continue to rise and being green is more than just a fad.

Please click here for the complete story at CNN.com

Read about the Transportation Career Expo at U of M March 11th, showcasing PRT.

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Air Driven vs. Mechanical Vacuum Pumps

Posted on: March 7th, 2011

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3G or 4G??? What’s the Difference?

Posted on: February 10th, 2011

Today people are finally able to purchase an IPhone from Verizon. It’s been the topic of the week not only online but also television. The cell phone company competitions don’t stop with the IPhone but continue with comparing 3G and 4G networks. With all this discussion there is also a lot of talk about 3G and 4G. What exactly is the difference? I am getting ready to purchase a new phone myself. Do I choose the smart phone for $50 with the 3G network or do I wait till Monday and spend $250 for a smartphone on the 4G network??? It probably doesn’t matter what I go with because there will probably be something newer within the month anyways.

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EngineersCALC: Free app from Thomsonlinear.com

Posted on: February 2nd, 2011

“EngineersCALC is a free app that quickly converts units of measure, calculates the inertia of common shapes, determines material density and looks up common trigonometrtic or calculus functions.”

Click to Download:
IPhone
Android

Iphone and Android App

www.thomsonlinear.com

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Great Video about Vacuum Technology

Posted on: November 5th, 2010

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