Concrete nails are used to secure objects to masonry and other hard materials. They have a head and a cylindrical shaft tapering to a sharp point. The shank is usually ribbed for a firm hold. They can be hammered manually or with a power tool. Pilot holes help maintain accuracy. They come in different diameters, […]
Acetone extraction is a method of separating substances from a material sample using the solvent acetone. It is widely used in industry, household products, and laboratories due to its ability to dissolve many organic compounds. It can be used to obtain desired substances or remove unwanted impurities. Acetone extraction is employed in recycling plastic waste […]
Mall kiosks are small retail stands located in malls that take advantage of foot traffic to attract impulse shoppers. They are owned or leased by retailers and offer reduced expenses for keeping them fully stocked. They are best for small specialty products and can be rented at a fixed rate or with a base rental […]
Rocker arms open and close valves in internal combustion engines. They can be made from stamped steel or heavier materials, and are operated by camshaft lobes or lifter-driven pushrods. Seesaw designs have improved over time, with variations in design affecting efficiency and wear resistance. Material strength and weight are important considerations in their construction. A […]
Virginia ham, also known as country ham, is a dry-cured ham that can be sold cured but uncooked, fully cooked and sliced, or smoked. It is traditionally quite salty due to salt curing, which removes moisture and slows down oxidation. Virginia ham is commonly served on holidays and as a breakfast meat. It is best […]
Fiberglass, invented by Owens Corning in 1938 as home insulation, is now a generic term for materials containing fine glass fibers. It can be used for electronic boards, custom designs, insulation, and bodywork. However, it can be dangerous to work with due to microscopic glass dust and shards. Safety gear is necessary. Strictly speaking, fiberglass […]
Formwork and shuttering are methods of creating a mold for pouring and containing concrete as it hardens. Shuttering uses plywood, while formwork refers to a broader range of materials. Both require support from stakes or stabilizers. Metal beams can also be used for formwork, but plywood is often preferred. Formwork and shuttering are both terms […]
Surveyor’s tape is a durable, waterproof, and colorful strip of plastic used by surveyors to mark objects of interest. It is also useful for non-surveyors, such as gardeners and hikers. Surveying is an ancient science used to measure distances, boundaries, and spatial relationships. Surveyors use various equipment to collect data and mark areas for logging […]
Wallcovering is a decorative covering that can be made from various materials and used to enhance the appearance of a building’s interior or exterior. It is usually non-structural and permanent, providing benefits such as insulation and waterproofing. Metal, masonry, and composite materials are common choices. Care and maintenance are important, and removing it can be […]
Purlins are horizontal beams used for structural support in buildings, commonly in roofs. They can be made of wood or steel, with steel purlins being the most commonly used in roofing. There are three types of steel purlins: RHS, Cee, and Zed, each with different uses. A purlin is a horizontal beam or bar used […]
Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia is a rare blood disorder where platelets lack the glycoprotein fibrogen, preventing clotting and causing excessive bleeding. It is inherited and diagnosed through tests, with treatments including hormonal supplements, fibrin sealant medications, and platelet transfusions. Certain medications should be avoided. Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia (GT) is an extremely rare blood disorder. It affects platelets in […]
Bearing caps hold the main bearings for a crankshaft and piston rods in place in an engine block. Proper machining and clearances between the bearing and the crankshaft are crucial for engine performance. Main bearing caps are machined as a unit in a process called line grinding. A bearing cap can be described as a […]
Vanilla ice cream is a popular flavor made from vanilla seeds, which are expensive due to the labor-intensive process of growing vanilla orchids. The US is the top consumer of ice cream, with New Zealand in second place. Homemade vanilla ice cream is easy to make with a mixture of milk, sugar, salt, and flavored […]
A lighting ballast controls the starting and operating voltages of gas discharge lights. Small lights use passive components, while high-power lights require more complex ballasts. Electromagnetic ballasts cause flickering, while electronic ballasts can reduce or eliminate it. Electronic ballasts are more efficient and popular, but some applications require electromagnetic ballasts. A lighting ballast is equipment […]
Current load is the amount of electrical current transmitted from a power source to a device. Power sources and load requirements must be considered before connecting any item. Voltage sources send a constant current, but short circuits occur when a device requires more current than the source can supply. Wiring plays a role in current […]
Price protection guarantees ensure that if a customer finds the same item cheaper elsewhere, the original seller will match the price. This provides an incentive for customer loyalty, but retailers must guard against fraud. Online retailers have different sales models, and time restrictions and conditions apply. A price protection guarantee extends assurances to the consumer […]
DWI and DUI are acronyms for driving under the influence of alcohol. It is illegal in every US jurisdiction to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher. Field sobriety tests and chemical testing are used to determine guilt, and repeat offenders may lose their driving privileges and become uninsurable. DWI […]
Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine used as a mixer in cocktails or as an appetizer. It was created in 1786 by Antonio Benedetto Carpano, who added brandy and a blend of herbs and spices. There are also dry and half-sweet versions available, and it should be stored in a cool place and refrigerated once […]
Toxocariasis is a parasitic infection caused by ingesting roundworm eggs found in dog or cat feces, which can cause abdominal pain and nausea. It is most common in young children who don’t wash their hands after playing on contaminated ground. Treatment depends on the severity of the infection, with mild cases naturally expelled with bowel […]
Yellow pages are the business section of a telephone directory, separated from residential listings. Originating in the US in the early 20th century, it has spread worldwide and now includes online directories with advertising opportunities. Consumers search by business type or name. The term yellow pages is used to refer to the business section of […]
