Group purchasing organizations (GPOs) negotiate discounts on goods and services for members. They can be horizontal or vertical, and are charged through commissions or membership fees. GPOs have been around for centuries, with large warehouse stores making bulk buying a common experience. A group purchasing organization, or GPO, is a coalition of individuals or companies […]
The “space blimp” is a proposed cargo transportation system to low-Earth orbit. The design consists of three stages, with the first stage being a helium-filled aircraft that docks with a permanent crewed platform called the Dark Sky Station. The third stage is the orbital ascender, which is propelled by ion engines and solar panels. However, […]
Gravel conveyors transport and distribute bulk materials, often resembling traditional conveyor belts. Gravel haulers can bring or remove gravel from sites, while trucks can carry single loads for paving or landscaping. These machines are useful in remote areas and large construction projects. A gravel conveyor is industrial equipment used to transport and distribute gravel and […]
Palenque is a Mayan site in Mexico with intricate sculpture and stunning architecture. Its history is still unclear, but it was ruled by K’uk Balam and later Pacal the Great oversaw major building projects. The Temple of Inscriptions is the most famous attraction. The city was abandoned in the mid-8th century and is relatively unexplored. […]
County planning oversees land use outside of incorporated areas, creating zoning designations and maps to promote smart growth and address concerns. County planning departments work with city planning departments to develop cohesive plans. Officers may be elected or appointed, with varying training requirements. Operations include environmental reviews, zoning enforcement, and long-term land use plans. County […]
Peppermint bark is a candy made by melting white chocolate, adding peppermint extract, and pouring it into a pan to harden. It can be garnished with candy pieces or used as a coating. Variations include using dark or milk chocolate and creating layered bark. It can be used as a side dish for desserts or […]
Reliability-focused maintenance is a seven-step process used to improve machinery functionality and prevent future problems, increasing profitability. It was created in the 1960s and 1970s by engineers from the US Department of Defense and United Airlines. The process involves researching equipment, determining how it can fail, theorizing about the cause of failure, and determining immediate […]
3D rapid prototyping technology uses computer-aided drawing (CAD) objects to create objects by generating one layer of material at a time. This allows for the creation of complex shapes and objects, reducing material and labor costs, and time. Rapid prototyping can be used for product review, refinement, and mass production. The technology can revolutionize manufacturing, […]
Heavy wreckers are tow trucks designed to transport large vehicles and are equipped with multiple axles and wheels, large diesel engines, and hydraulic boom arms. They are used to transport damaged vehicles and come in two types: flatbed and boom trucks. The boom arm is controlled by hydraulic cylinders and can lift large vehicles off […]
A fab lab is an automated manufacturing apparatus that produces solid objects using raw materials and computers. It could one day take manufacturing power away from the industry and put it in the hands of consumers. Fab labs could produce economical products of consistently high quality, bypassing centralized industrial infrastructure. In the future, it may […]
Angiostatin is a protein that can control the generation of new blood vessels and inhibit angiogenesis, making it a potential treatment for cancer. It binds to other proteins and cell structures, including endothelial cells, and research is ongoing into how to manipulate natural and synthetic chemicals to create angiostatic cocktails for patient treatments. An angiostatin […]
The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) was a US classification system used to collect statistical information about business activities from 1937 to 1997. It has been replaced by the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS), but some organizations still use SIC codes. Each SIC code has four digits and is used to categorize different industries. The […]
Grab trucks have a retractable arm with a grab hook or jaw for construction, sanitation, and logging. Loader and body systems and grapple loaders have a payload area, while rear-mounted clamp loaders require another vehicle for hauling materials. A grab truck is a specially designed vehicle featuring a retractable and often articulated arm with a […]
Electric turkey fryers are safer and more efficient than propane models. They come with a pot, basket, and lifter, and have a thermostat, timer, and safety shut-off. They can be used indoors and require caution when handling hot oil. Proper water and oil levels, dry turkey, and monitoring the bird’s temperature are important for safety. […]
Drop hammers shape metal into heavy steel parts and thin pieces of metal. They evolved from steam-powered to hydraulically powered machines. Early machines were dangerous, but modern safety devices have made them safer. The basic drop hammer style involves a large steel frame with interchangeable dies that stamp metal into machine parts, gears, and even […]
Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iceland, where the Althing, one of the world’s oldest parliaments, was first convened in 930. It remained the meeting place until the end of the 18th century and was revived in the mid-19th century. Visitors can also see the Drowning Pool and nearby sites such as Skalholt […]
Refrigerated trucks transport perishable goods using ice or on-board refrigeration systems. They are used to transport food and other items that require a constant temperature, such as medication and archaeological artifacts. Refrigerated trucks are road vehicles used to transport goods considered perishable when subjected to higher temperatures. Trucks of this type use several different strategies […]
Squash bisque is a creamy vegetarian soup made by simmering diced squash with aromatics and broth. It is pureed for a smooth texture and can be seasoned with a variety of spices. The soup can be frozen for later consumption. Pumpkin bisque is a type of soup that is usually creamy and thick. Although the […]
A double breast pump can save time and prevent milk wastage by drawing milk from both breasts at the same time. There are different types, with plug-in models being the most reliable. It’s important to check if a model can be converted to a double pump. The double pump is more efficient, but frequent use […]
Scuba cylinders contain breathing gas for diving and come in different types, materials, and sizes. Valves connect tanks to regulators, and tanks are assigned pressure ratings and gas types. Maintenance and inspections are crucial for safety. A scuba cylinder, also known as a scuba tank, contains the pressurized breathing gas for diving. Divers can choose […]
