Battenberg cake is a British cake with four sections of sponge cake, two pink and two yellow or white, held together with jelly or apricot jam and covered in marzipan icing. It was created for a royal wedding in 1880 and is popular on St. George’s Day. It can be difficult to find outside the […]
Coil springs are cylindrical or cone-shaped devices with varying numbers of coils used to absorb impact or resist compressive or tensile forces. They are made of specially hardened wires and can be used as compression or tensioning elements, or for percussive impact in various applications. A coil spring is a coiled mechanical device that stores […]
A solenoid plunger is a ferrous metal rod that moves linearly when an electromagnetic field is created in the pocket of a solenoid coil. It is used to control various equipment and is usually spring-loaded. Solenoid plungers can be solid or made up of thin plates. A solenoid piston is the moving part of a […]
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a rare congenital heart defect characterized by an additional electrical circuit inside the heart, causing abnormal heart rate or tachycardia. Symptoms may not be immediately realized, but can lead to death if left untreated. Treatment includes catheter ablation or medication. Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a rare congenital heart defect. Specifically, it is […]
Drag racing is a competition using modified cars or motorcycles on short tracks. The vehicles race side by side, with the first to cross the finish line winning. Endurance races are run in series, with winners advancing. Street racing is a dangerous and illegal form of drag racing. Drag racing is an automobile or motorcycle […]
A pipe threader cuts grooves or threads in metal pipes, allowing them to be securely attached to joints or connectors. Plumbers use a pipe cutter to cut the pipe, then insert it into the threader to create the correct thread profile and depth. The threads must be cleaned with a thread reamer before use. Different […]
Melmac is a type of plastic tableware made from melamine resin, which is durable and easily molded into different shapes. It was popular in the mid-20th century, and was used for cookware, serving bowls, plates, cups, and glasses. Melmac was also commonly used in school cafeterias. Its durability made it ideal for casual family dinners […]
Hepatitis C is the most common cause of cirrhosis, which occurs when scar tissue forms in the liver due to inflammation or injury. The virus is spread through contact with infected blood or blood products, with injecting drug use being the most common route. Treatment depends on the stage, with early-stage cirrhosis having a good […]
Insurance underwriting determines eligibility and assigns a monetary value to insurance. A computer is used to analyze data and assess risk, and underwriters work in categories such as property/accident, life, health, or mortgage. No formal training is required, but credentials and continuing education are beneficial. Insurance underwriting is the process of determining whether a potential […]
A strake is a strip along the side of a boat made of panels, and can be seen in both clinker-built and carvel-built ships. The design of the strands is considered in advance for minimal waste and a uniform appearance. Boats need maintenance to prevent water ingress and maintain buoyancy. A strake is a longitudinal […]
Fortified cereals have added nutrients such as folate, thiamin, vitamin C, vitamin A, and calcium to promote health. They can reduce the risk of birth defects and certain diseases, but excessive consumption can be harmful. Fortification is effective when part of a balanced diet. Fortified cereal is a food product usually made from processed grains […]
A winch lathe uses a rotating turret to quickly change cutting bits for creating the same parts repeatedly. Newer machines may use computer numerical controls for time savings, efficiency, and tight cutting tolerances. Manual capstan lathes require mechanical blocks to be placed by hand. A winch lathe is a milling machine used to create the […]
Hard anodizing is a process that creates a wear and corrosion-resistant coating on metals. It involves placing the metal in an electrolyte solution and passing an electric current through it. Hard anodizing uses higher currents and weaker solutions than decorative anodizing, resulting in a thicker and harder coating. The coating is chemically stable, non-toxic, and […]
A mixed episode is a dangerous psychiatric state where a person experiences symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time. It is more common in people with bipolar I and can lead to an increased risk of suicide and other psychiatric complications. Medications and psychotherapy can be used to treat mixed episodes, and […]
A bicycle axle is a solid metal component that allows the wheel hub to rotate and is threaded to lock in place. There are two types: solid and hollow, with the latter accommodating quick-release skewers. The hub contains bearings and can be designed to accept sealed bearings. A bicycle axle is a component on a […]
Cavatappi is a spiral-shaped, egg-free macaroni that can be yellow, green, or red. It’s used in salads, soups, and casseroles and is named after the Italian phrase “Cava Tappi” meaning corkscrew. It’s easy to cook and can be paired with a variety of sauces and ingredients. Cavatappi is a type of macaroni, or thick, hollow […]
Custom manufacturing creates unique products based on customer specifications, using specialized equipment and materials. It is a branch of lean manufacturing that relies on customer orders and just-in-time production. Benefits include higher inventory turnover and the ability to keep pace with technological changes, but it requires a high initial investment and may result in higher […]
Cisterns are containers used to store water, available in various sizes and shapes. They have been used for thousands of years to conserve rainwater and supplement water reserves. Gravity-fed cisterns collect rainwater and can be used for irrigation or domestic use with filters. In-ground tanks are more efficient but require pumps to extract water. Cisterns […]
Cisterns are large containers used to hold water, with above and below ground options. They have been used for thousands of years to conserve rainwater and supplement water reserves. Gravity-fed cisterns can still be seen in many regions of the world, and filters may be installed for domestic use. In-ground tanks are more efficient but […]
A torsion axle is a combined axle and suspension unit that provides suspension deflection through twisting of the axle bar within a steel sleeve lined with rubber compounds. It has been historically used on military vehicles, trailers, and equipment, but has declined in popularity since the late 1980s. Torsion axle systems are found primarily on […]
