The English wheel is a metalworking tool used to create compound bends in flat sheet metal, commonly used in automobile and carriage building, as well as aviation metalworking. The device includes a set of wheels mounted on a stand and operators can change the lower wheel to achieve the desired shape. The operator passes a […]
Disc brakes are commonly used on the front wheels of vehicles, while drum brakes with wheel cylinders are used on the rear wheels. Wheel cylinders work as part of a hydraulic braking system, allowing for easy modulation of braking power. Each rear wheel has its own wheel cylinder, which is relatively easy to replace and […]
Abrasive wheels are disposable tools made of abrasive materials used for cutting and grinding metals. They vary in shape, size, and roughness, with different materials providing different levels of cutting ability. The price varies based on variables such as material, grit, and grain spacing. Different shapes are available for specific jobs, with cut-off wheels being […]
The Pelton wheel is an efficient water turbine that extracts energy from the forward thrust of water. It consists of a turbine with buckets, a shaft, and a generator. Water is brought to the wheel through a penstock and gate valve. The Pelton wheel was invented by Lester Allan Pelton in 1870 and is used […]
A bucket wheel excavator is a large machine used for surface mining, featuring a wheel with multiple buckets that can continuously move materials without stopping. The excavator can hold up to 20 or more buckets and is capable of moving very large amounts of material quickly. The largest excavator, the Bagger 20, can move 293 […]
Water wheels harness the energy of moving water and have been used for millennia. They come in three types: horizontal, undershot, and overwheel, with the latter being the most efficient but also having a greater environmental impact. Moving water has a lot of energy. Just six inches (15 centimeters) of running water can wash off […]
A pastry wheel is a versatile tool used to cut, shape, and decorate dough. It comes in various shapes, including crimpers, benders, and bladed cylinders, and can be used for a variety of tasks such as cutting strips of dough, creating patterns, and venting. It is easy to use, dishwasher safe, and usually inexpensive. Cleaning […]
A worm gear consists of a worm wheel and a worm, which transfer energy in one direction and turn output power perpendicular to input power. Worm gears reduce gear size and modern versions are fully contained. A worm wheel is one of two parts of a worm gear. These one-way gears are used to prevent […]
Rechargeable wheelchair batteries come in three types: wet cell, gel, and AGM. They are interchangeable between chairs and brands, but require specific chargers. Gel and AGM batteries are less prone to leaking and can be left attached to an electric wheelchair during air travel. Additional chargers and a travel charger are useful accessories to have. […]
Spinning frames are used to spin fibers into thread and yarn for fabric production. They come in various sizes and can process high volumes of fiber. The invention of the spinning frame revolutionized fiber processing, and modern machines can be programmed to produce various thicknesses and strengths. Finished products are packaged to prevent tangling and […]
The Ferris wheel was first created in the 16th century and the first mechanized version was designed by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. in 1893. Other designers created their own versions, but the emphasis shifted to smaller, portable constructions. Other types of wheels, such as the two wheels and three-wheel ride, also became popular. Some […]
The ab wheel is a simple and affordable exercise equipment that tones and strengthens abdominal muscles. It consists of a plastic wheel with handles and requires proper form to avoid injuries. An ab wheel is a piece of exercise equipment designed to tone and strengthen the abdominal muscles. With its simple design, compact size, and […]
A wheel repair specialist can fix various types of vehicle wheels, including aluminum alloy wheels. They can deal with damage such as bending, cracking, denting, and misalignment. The repairs can vary in complexity and cost, and some may require removing the wheel from the vehicle. Bent wheels can usually be repaired, but it requires a […]
Roller conveyors use metal or plastic wheels to move packages by gravity. They are lightweight and portable for delivery applications. Skatewheel refers to the rollers used on the conveyor. The number of wheels determines load capacity. They can be made of metal or plastic. Roller conveyors can be linked together to deliver boxes around obstacles. […]
Paddle wheels lift materials and have been used for thousands of years in various contexts. They require a motor and were historically used for land drainage and construction projects. Middle Eastern inventors developed the sakia and noria, similar devices for water control. While not widely used, paddle wheels can still be useful for reclamation, irrigation, […]
A bull wheel is a large, durable wheel used in mechanical systems such as chairlifts and pulley systems. It can provide energy to move other components and can be custom or generically manufactured. Bull wheels can have large teeth or be wrapped with ropes and cables. They are heavy and sturdy, and wheel failure can […]
The Catherine wheel, a popular firework in Great Britain, is named after Christian martyr Catherine of Alexandria. Its design includes a hub with explosives that spin and throw sparks when ignited. The firework may have been part of her Saint’s Day festivities. Care must be taken when lighting it. A Catherine wheel is a very […]
The idiom “reinventing the wheel” means not to waste time changing something fundamental that already works well. However, sometimes reinventing existing systems can lead to significant gains. The phrase “don’t reinvent a square wheel” means not to create something worse than the original. Basic elements of construction should be examined to see if an accepted […]
The phrase “asleep at the wheel” is an idiomatic expression that refers to someone in authority neglecting their responsibilities or failing to recognize threats. It is often used to place blame after negative events and has become part of public health and safety jargon. The phrase “asleep at the wheel” is a colloquial idiom that […]
The term “fifth wheel” refers to something unnecessary, but its origin is from the Martin Rocking Fifth Wheel, a useful invention in 1911 for attaching trucks to trailers. The design is still used today, but the term may have originated from spare wheels on stagecoaches. The term has retained its original context and also refers […]
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