A drill jig holds material and guides the drill for accurate, repetitive holes. It can be custom-made from metal or wood and has a locking system to keep it in place. While it has lost popularity in mass production, it remains popular in home wood shops. A drill jig does two important, repetitive jobs by […]
Contract assembly is outsourcing the assembly part of a manufacturing process to a company that is better suited to handle it. Reasons for outsourcing include cost, lack of expertise, or better equipment. Electronics and complex machines are common products that require contract assembly. Companies can outsource several stages of manufacturing, including contract assembly. Just as […]
The katar is a versatile knife with a unique handle consisting of two parallel bars supported by crossbars. It was once widely used in the Indian subcontinent and is associated with Hindu culture. The blade varies in length and some have forked blades or movable blades. The katar was effective against armor and was used […]
Sky lobbies are used in tall buildings to separate the building into different zones and make elevator travel more comfortable. Each lobby has local elevators that only serve one section of the building, while an express elevator travels between lobbies. This system reduces congestion and delays for elevator travelers. A sky lob is used in […]
Nova Scotia is a small, resource-based province on Canada’s southeast coast. It was settled by Paleo-Indians and later by the French, Scots, and English. Its economy centers on fishing, logging, mining, and agriculture, but has expanded to include tourism, film production, and technology. The province has a harsh climate and a reputation for taciturnity. Few […]
The European Monetary System aimed to stabilize exchange rates and reduce inflation, but struggled in the 1990s due to restrictions on monetary policy. It led to the introduction of the euro currency, reflecting the past system’s fixed exchange rates for greater stability. The European Monetary System was an agreement between European nations to stabilize exchange […]
The 6×6 All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) is a six-wheeled vehicle that can operate on land and water. It uses hand controls to move independently on each side and can be used in all types of terrain, including snow and mud. Its unique design provides additional traction and makes it almost impossible to get stuck. A […]
The bird’s nest fryer is a metal kitchen utensil that shapes and holds food as it fries, creating basket-shaped fried foods resembling bird nests. It is typically used for Asian food and has two baskets that bolt together and a long handle to avoid heat exposure. It is not suitable for batters but can be […]
Frame scaffolding is a common type of scaffolding used on construction sites. It is assembled by connecting two sections of scaffold frame with cross sections of support posts, and workers climb the sections to assemble the next one. Pins and stud clips secure the sections together, and aluminum deck planks provide a surface for workers […]
Thumbscrews have an oversized head with a knurled or diamond-patterned handle finish or large wing-like blades that allow for easy hand tightening or loosening. They are used in applications where frequent removal and reinstallation is required and can be tightened with a screwdriver or pliers. Thumbscrews are commonly used in small electronic devices and industrial […]
Winches are tools used to operate or haul a line, with simple manual versions and more complex mechanical versions powered by hydraulics, petrol engines, or batteries. They are used in many contexts, including marine, construction, heavy industry, excavation, and off-road vehicles. Winches have three essential parts: a spool, a handle, and a line, and are […]
Computerized machines are replacing human workers in many industries due to their ability to perform simple tasks accurately and at a lower cost. They are controlled by computer programs and do not require direct human supervision. The advantages of computerized machines include cost savings and increased accuracy, but their adoption has led to job losses […]
Chandlery shops sold nautical supplies to ships in the 18th and 19th centuries. They expanded to offer more supplies and are now modern sailing ship grocery stores, offering technologically advanced products. Some stores still specialize in candles as a nod to the original meaning. Chandlery shops are found in North America and Europe. Born out […]
A blind flange is a solid disc used to block off a pipeline or create a stop. It has no openings and can be inserted between two open flanges to block the flow of liquid. It is used for repairs, adding new lines, and closing a line. It is cheaper than valves and can be […]
An open circuit is a circuit with a gap that prevents current flow, while a closed circuit allows current flow. An open circuit has infinite resistance and is the opposite of a short circuit. A circuit can be opened or closed with a switch. An open circuit is a type of electrical circuit that has […]
Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) automate electromechanical processes using a microprocessor programmed in a specialized language. They monitor sensor inputs and control output actuators, replacing thousands of relays and timers. PLCs have a range of functionality and can withstand harsh environments. They can be configured with various interfaces and were first developed for the automotive industry […]
Glazing paste is used to create a watertight seal between glass and window frames. It can be removed and reapplied if cracked or flaking. Once applied, it remains pliable to accommodate the frame’s expansion and contraction. Glass dots and another layer of compound are added to secure the glass in place. Glazing paste is a […]
A loading bay is an area for loading and unloading cargo from a transportation vehicle. It’s commonly found in warehouses, factories, and commercial buildings, and often has ramps, lifts, and safety equipment. Bumpers, lights, and dock seals are also common features. A loading bay is an area dedicated to loading and unloading cargo to or […]
Plastic deformation is a non-reversible process caused by stress on metal or plastic, resulting in permanent changes. It can be used intentionally to mold objects through heat or pressure, but must be controlled to avoid cracking. It was historically used in handcrafted products and is still used in the creation of various goods today. Plastic […]
A crawl space is a cheaper alternative to a basement, consisting of block walls and either a concrete or gravel floor. It can be accessed from both inside and outside the house. Moisture is a major issue, but insulation and a vapor barrier can help prevent damage. A fully finished concrete crawl space is the […]
