A flat chisel is a tool used in sculpture, masonry, carpentry, wood carving, and metal cutting. It has a handle and a sharp, straight cutting edge made of forged steel or tungsten carbide. It can be used to smooth rough carvings, cut metal rods, and shape wood joints. Carbide-tipped chisels are used for harder stones, […]
An electric motor dynamometer measures power, torque, and rotational speed of a main motor, using adjustable speed drives. It can replace the load side during testing on the prime mover, and torque is a key concept in its measurement. RPM and torque are measured in newton-meters. An electric motor dynamometer is a specialized dynamometer that […]
A Berliner is a fried pastry filled with various fillings, most commonly yellow custard. It is also known as a jelly donut in English-speaking countries and has different names in other countries. The pastry has even inspired controversy, with US President John F. Kennedy’s famous words in Berlin causing debate. A Berliner is a type […]
Wire cutters can refer to tools used to cut thread or wires in manufacturing, with craft thread cutters being safer alternatives to scissors. They can be found in craft stores and are sometimes viewed as security threats by airline agencies. Manufacturing wire cutters can make cylindrical or tapered threads and are often designed for automation. […]
Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is a versatile synthetic rubber used in a variety of products, including car tires, toys, shoe soles, and even chewing gum. It is produced through ionic polymerization or free radical polymerization and was first developed in the 1930s to stretch natural rubber resources. SBR production increased during World War II for the […]
The Earth’s magnetic field reverses polarity every 250,000 years, with the last shift occurring 790,000 years ago. The magnetic field protects the planet from solar radiation and plays a vital role in climate, weather patterns, and animal migration. Evidence for these changes comes from the seabed along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Some scientists believe a pole […]
A condotel is a hybrid of a condominium and a hotel, allowing owners to purchase real estate and rent it out as a vacation or hotel space when not in use, providing income for the owner. The concept began as a way for hotel companies to finance new hotels, and owners receive all the advantages […]
Upper masts were added to larger sailing boats to increase mast height and sail area. Wooden masts were used until modern materials were introduced. Foot rigging and running rigs were added to support the masts and sails. Each mast had its own name and set of sails. The shipping industry developed a naming system for […]
Working pressure is the standard level at which a system operates. Safety valves and gauges are used to prevent catastrophic failures. Pressure can be controlled by charging the system and using valves. Temperature and altitude affect pressure. Chronic over or under pressurization can lead to malfunctions and should be evaluated by a technician. Working pressure […]
Private companies are incorporated businesses with shares held by a small number of shareholders, often with one holding a controlling interest. Transfers of shares are usually only between existing shareholders, making decision-making easier but changes difficult. The size of the company can vary, but the defining characteristic is the small number of investors. Private companies […]
Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are primarily used for recreational purposes and are not legal on public highways, streets, or trails. They are also used by law enforcement and for rescue missions. OHVs can cause serious injuries, so safety precautions and maintenance are crucial. Many national parks offer designated trails for OHVs, but their use can be […]
Cardamom is a popular spice in Middle Eastern cultures used in both herbal remedies and food and beverages, including cardamom coffee. The coffee can be made by grinding equal amounts of coffee beans and cardamom seed pods and brewing them together, or by simmering broken pods in brewed coffee. The drink is often served to […]
Wide flange beams are used in building houses, bridges, and other structures. They have a central web connecting two parallel end units, known as flanges. They distribute loads over a large area and weigh less than a square beam of the same size. In the USA, they are the most commonly used beam type and […]
Steel blanks are unfinished pieces of metal that require further shaping and can be used to make a variety of objects. Knife blade blanks are commonly available in carbon steel and stainless steel. Steel quality is important and is classified by grade, ductility, tensile strength, and hardness. Hardness is measured using the Rockwell C scale. […]
A print audit gathers information about current printer usage and operating costs to assist decision-making at the executive level. The scope should be clearly defined, and metrics for usage and access should be collected. Total operating costs, including staff time, should also be considered. A print audit is often conducted by large organizations in anticipation […]
Tugboats are powerful, versatile, and highly maneuverable boats designed to pull or push larger vessels. They have a shallow draft, making them suitable for shallow waters and inland waterways. Tugboats can also be used for towing disabled ships and recovering boats from the open ocean. They come in different sizes and designs, and are popular […]
A wood screw is used to join wood and has a hollow shank. It requires a pilot hole to prevent the wood from snapping. Drywall screws are not suitable for structural strength and have threads running the entire length. A wood screw is used to join two pieces of wood together. Made of steel, the […]
Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have found that the world’s growing population will require significantly more calories than previously projected due to changes in the size and energy needs of the average adult. Between 1975 and 2014, the average person consumed 2,465 calories a day, up from 2,615 calories in 2014. […]
Osho Meditation is a type of meditative art that comes from the teachings of the guru Osho. It involves separating the mind from itself and being present and aware without repetitive mantras. It is known to have potential benefits for physical and mental health. Osho Meditation is a type of meditative art that comes from […]
A livery company can refer to a trade association in the City of London or a facility that maintains leased vehicles, both with origins in the symbolic items used to identify belonging. London livery companies historically oversaw professional standards and some continue to regulate industries, while others act as trade associations or charitable organizations. Livery […]