Karen Golay, et. al. v. Washington City, Wheeler Machinery Co. : Brief of Appellee

On appeal from a judgment of the Fifth District Court for Washington County The Honorable James L. Shumate

Mechanics of a shear cutting process

A unique laboratory device, the Laboratory Shear, has been designed and built to simulate and examine the shear angle cutting process, which is the predominant method used in many cutting operations. The device is capable of force and velocity measurements of the shear angle cutting process with the abilities to vary cutting speed, knife preload, and blade geometry. The dimensions of the device are such that mobility to and from conditioning rooms in the laboratory environment are not limited. Assembly and disassembly ease as well as automatic versus manual operation options were incorporated for greater experimental flexibility. The device has the ability to evaluate products at a shear velocity of 200 inches per second, which equates to nearly 1000 feet per minute on a conventional slitter with 10 shear angle. The force measurement capability is 10 pounds, which is sufficient to handle the majority of Kodak films. Knife preload can be adjusted to provide preloads from 2 lbs to 12 lbs, in increments of 2 lbs. Debug of the Lab Shear Device was conducted and included knife sharpness measurement as well as calibration of the load cell and velocity transducer. The upper (moving) knife was found to have a cutting tip radius of approximately 0.0002 inch and the lower (stationary) knife was found to have a cutting tip radius of approximately 0.0001 inch. Both knives could be considered as medium dull based on the Kodak standard for slitting knife sharpness (X \u3c 0.0001 inch = sharp, X \u3e 0.0005 inch = dull). Edges for both knives appeared smooth and defect free as viewed with SEM. Load cell and velocity transducer calibration resulted in less than 10% standard deviation, which was within acceptable limits. Variability of the system was assessed through several experiments using polycarbonate film. Overall system variability was determined to be within 10%, which was acceptable for the device\u27s intended use. A linear relationship between the average cutting force and the average sample thickness was observed, similar to the linear relationship between tearing force and film thickness reported during the trouser-tearing of films. Given this observed linear relationship, tearing of polycarbonate seems to be the dominant failure process despite that the shear angle cutting is a mixed mode fracture process. Fracture morphology examination was performed and proved to be beneficial, showing the ability of the device to generate consistent fractures associated with a specific speed-preload combination. For the polycarbonate tested, fracture morphologies observed tend to be independent of speed and dependent on preload. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was applied to gain a better understanding of the cutting system mechanics and frictional mechanisms of the Lab Shear Device. Analysis provided explanation for an observed force shift during cutting in addition to providing a model for further examination

Discrete-event simulation: from the pioneers to the present, what next?

Discrete-event simulation is one of the most popular modelling techniques. It has developed significantly since the inception of computer simulation in the 1950s, most of this in line with developments in computing. The progress of simulation from its early days is charted with a particular focus on recent history. Specific developments in the past 15 years include visual interactive modelling, simulation optimization, virtual reality, integration with other software, simulation in the service sector, distributed simulation and the use of the worldwide web. The future is then speculated upon. Potential changes in model development, model use, the domain of application for simulation and integration with other simulation approaches are all discussed. The desirability of continuing to follow developments in computing, without significant developments in the wider methodology of simulation, is questioned

Performance Evaluation, Education, and Testing: Alternatives to Punishment in Professional Regulation

This article outlines the existing concept of self-regulation and focuses on the deficiencies and inadequacies of that concept. The author proposes that to be effective, self-regulation must encompass more than the traditional disciplinary functions of bar association grievance committees. Specific proposals include: mandatory recertification of attorneys; requiring continued professional education for specialties and for areas in which an individual lawyer has demonstrated weakness; creating administrative machinery to monitor the entire spectrum of professional regulation; assigning quality ratings to individual attorneys; and implementing an aggressive public information program to solicit the public\u27s opinion and to publicize steps the legal profession has taken in the self-regulation process

Performance Evaluation, Education, and Testing: Alternatives to Punishment in Professional Regulation

This article outlines the existing concept of self-regulation and focuses on the deficiencies and inadequacies of that concept. The author proposes that to be effective, self-regulation must encompass more than the traditional disciplinary functions of bar association grievance committees. Specific proposals include: mandatory recertification of attorneys; requiring continued professional education for specialties and for areas in which an individual lawyer has demonstrated weakness; creating administrative machinery to monitor the entire spectrum of professional regulation; assigning quality ratings to individual attorneys; and implementing an aggressive public information program to solicit the public\u27s opinion and to publicize steps the legal profession has taken in the self-regulation process

Baja Gear Reduction

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/96183/1/me450f12project6_report.pd

Russia's agriculture: eight years in transition - convergence or divergence of regional efficiency

In this paper, we consider how Russian Agriculture has developed since the constitution of the Russian Federation. The analysis is based on Oblast level data of 75 territorial units during the period from 1993 to 1998 and is focusing on technical efficiency (TE), technological change, and (both aggregated as overall index) on Total Factor Productivity (TFP). Given that the initial natural conditions were approximately constant the consistence of political programs, market reforms and restructuring were essential determinants of regional developments of TE and TFP above or below the common trend. If this assumption is widely true an investigation of responsible circumstances for these divergences seems to be an important task in the actual regional-economic research. This paper should provide a step of such an analysis - discover common trends, make divergences visible and detect Oblasts characterised by diverging trends. The results have shown that the agricultural TE and the technological change varied dramatically among regions. Beyond it, we have found a growing gap of TE among regions and a relative homogeneous negative trend of technical change resulting, altogether, in a divergence of regional agricultural TFP. Because agriculture is for many regions the fundamental source of income this fact is alarming, especially when the local agriculture becomes noncompetitiveness in comparison with other regions, actually or in future. -- G E R M A N V E R S I O N: Gegenstand dieses Papiers ist die Entwicklung der russischen Landwirtschaft seit Gründung der Russischen Föderation. Die Analyse basiert auf regional aggregierten Daten von 75 Oblasts von 1993 bis 1998 und fokussiert auf die jeweilige technische Effizienz (TE), den technologischen Wandel und, als Aggregat, auf die totale Faktorproduktivität (TFP). Vorausgesetzt die regionalen natürlichen Bedingungen sind etwa gleich geblieben, dann sind die Konsistenz politischer Programme, marktwirtschaftliche Reformen und Restrukturierung die essentiellen Determinanten über- bzw. unterdurchschnittlicher Entwicklungen von TE und TFP. Wenn dies zutrifft, dann erscheint die Untersuchung der für die regionalen Divergenzen verantwortlichen Hintergründe als ein zentrales Ziel der aktuellen regional-ökonomischen Forschung. Dieses Papier soll hierzu einen Beitrag leisten allgemeine Trends offen legen, Divergenzen aufzeigen und Oblasts mit abweichenden Trends identifizieren. Die Ergebnisse zeigen erheblich differierende Werte sowohl bei der landwirtschaftlichen TE als auch beim technischen Wandel zwischen den einzelnen Regionen. Darüber hinaus kann man eine wachsende Disparität der TE bei einem relativ einheitlich negativen technischen Wandel feststellen, was insgesamt in eine zunehmende Divergenz der regionalen landwirtschaftlichen TFP mündet. Da die Landwirtschaft für viele Regionen die elementare Einkommensquelle darstellt, scheint dieses Faktum als durchaus alarmierend; insbesondere dann, wenn die lokale Landwirtschaft im regionalen Vergleich droht nicht mehr wettbewerbsfähig zu sein oder zu werden.technical efficiency,rural areas,divergence,Russian Federation,agriculture,technische Effizienz,rurale Gebiete,Divergenz,Russland,Landwirtschaft

Interpretation of history

The bulk of the paper comprises edited excerpts from an undergraduate diploma dissertation: White, A. 1985. "Guidelines for Interpreting History". This work is the basis for this paper since it provides a comprehensive overview of the topic. Material from two other dissertations is also used to provide specific examples of historic interpretation complementary to the work of White ( 1985). These dissertations are: Gardiner, J. 1983. "Ruapekapeka Pa Historic Reserve: Management Plan Proposal". Francis, D. 1986. "Cost-Benefit Analysis and Interpretation Planning for Historic Resources - Using the Tautuku Trails Tractor as a Case Study" All material in this paper is based upon White (1985), unless otherwise indicated by author 'initials' 1 before and after the material concerned.Without a doubt, New Zealanders have become increasingly interested in their cultural heritage over the past ten years. Perhaps the pace at which the quality of our life is decreasing is a contributing factor towards this. In our often artificial and 'processed' world, the term 'old fashioned' with its associated connotations of wholesomeness will now sell bread. There was an era when goods, processes and ways of life associated with times past were often scorned as being obsolete. Society in general could not wait to toss the 'old' away in favour of obtaining a 'new improved' quality of life. Consequently, our lives have become increasingly empty of functions that were common in the past, for example, the healthy exercise and satisfaction of chopping wood for fires, for warmth and cooking, is denied to many today. Much of our lives has become 'softer' physically, but more stressful mentally. Perhaps it is, that by looking to history, people are seeking to find a balance in their lives. But whatever people's motives are for exploring the avenues of history, it can be a fascinating and valuable past-time. To open these avenues and to share them with others is not only challenging, but also an important function to our society. The monumental approach: glittering brass plaques set in concrete or a string of facts and figures, has probably never been a very successful method of preserving history. If we desire to see people (not just a select few) take an interest in history and benefit from it, it must be presented in such a way as to make it 'live'. History should not consist of a dead past, but rather be meaningful and living in the minds of present generations

An intelligent knowledge based cost modelling system for innovative product development

This research work aims to develop an intelligent knowledge-based system for product cost modelling and design for automation at an early design stage of the product development cycle, that would enable designers/manufacturing planners to make more accurate estimates of the product cost. Consequently, a quicker response to customers’ expectations. The main objectives of the research are to: (1) develop a prototype system that assists an inexperienced designer to estimate the manufacturing cost of the product, (2) advise designers on how to eliminate design and manufacturing related conflicts that may arise during the product development process, (3) recommend the most economic assembly technique for the product in order to consider this technique during the design process and provide design improvement suggestions to simplify the assembly operations (i.e. to provide an opportunity for designers to design for assembly (DFA)), (4) apply a fuzzy logic approach to certain cases, and (5) evaluate the developed prototype system through five case studies. The developed system for cost modelling comprises of a CAD solid modelling system, a material selection module, knowledge-based system (KBS), process optimisation module, design for assembly module, cost estimation technique module, and a user interface. In addition, the system encompasses two types of databases, permanent (static) and temporary (dynamic). These databases are categorised into five separate groups of database, Feature database, Material database, Machinability database, Machine database, and Mould database. The system development process has passed through four major steps: firstly, constructing the knowledge-based and process optimisation system, secondly developing a design for assembly module. Thirdly, integrating the KBS with both material selection database and a CAD system. Finally, developing and implementing a ii fuzzy logic approach to generate reliable estimation of cost and to handle the uncertainty in cost estimation model that cannot be addressed by traditional analytical methods. The developed system has, besides estimating the total cost of a product, the capability to: (1) select a material as well as the machining processes, their sequence and machining parameters based on a set of design and production parameters that the user provides to the system, and (2) recommend the most economic assembly technique for a product and provide design improvement suggestion, in the early stages of the design process, based on a design feasibility technique. It provides recommendations when a design cannot be manufactured with the available manufacturing resources and capabilities. In addition, a feature-by-feature cost estimation report was generated using the system to highlight the features of high manufacturing cost. The system can be applied without the need for detailed design information, so that it can be implemented at an early design stage and consequently cost redesign, and longer lead-time can be avoided. One of the tangible advantages of this system is that it warns users of features that are costly and difficult to manufacture. In addition, the system is developed in such a way that, users can modify the product design at any stage of the design processes. This research dealt with cost modelling of both machined components and injection moulded components. The developed cost effective design environment was evaluated on real products, including a scientific calculator, a telephone handset, and two machined components. Conclusions drawn from the system indicated that the developed prototype system could help companies reducing product cost and lead time by estimating the total product cost throughout the entire product development cycle including assembly cost. Case studies demonstrated that designing a product using the developed system is more cost effective than using traditional systems. The cost estimated for a number of products used in the case studies was almost 10 to 15% less than cost estimated by the traditional system since the latter does not take into consideration process optimisation, design alternatives, nor design for assembly issue