Meteoroid detector

A meteoroid detector is described which uses, a cold cathode discharge tube with a gas-pressurized cell in space for recording a meteoroid puncture of the cell and for determining the size of the puncture

Automation of beam straightness measurement

This work deals with the development of an image processing methodology to be employed in an inspection machine for measurement of straightness of moving steel beams. The method consists of developing specific software to perform three main tasks: reading the position of the beam at several locations; correlating the data monitored by the cameras; and reporting the quality of the beam straightness. Computer vision technology as a non contact measuring system is used by the inspection machine. From the production process the beams roll onto a conveyor therefore several video cameras are needed to log information about the lateral position and also the height of the steel beams. The number of cameras and the distance between them can be defined by the user. The technique is developed in such a way that if one camera fails or is switched off the measuring system is not affected as long as the system has a minimum of three cameras viewing acceptable points. The system outputs is the deviations from a perfectly straight beam; compensating factors for lateral or angular movements in the horizontal measuring plane of the beam and the beam profile. The output is displayed on a computer screen, and is based on both linear and least squares curve fitting routines

Cell calibration and robot tracking

When considering off-line programming of Industrial robots, it is important that the simulated model of the robot and its environment is calibrated against the real hardware. It is well known that industrial robots have relatively good position repeatability characteristics but suffer from a lack of precision in terms of absolute accuracy. When programmed on-line, this is not apparent since the programmer intuitively moves the robot to location points which are relative to the workpiece and other elements within the cell. However, when considering off-line programming using simulation software to represent the robot and its environment, the absolute accuracy of the system becomes a critical issue. The effectiveness of off-line programming is only apparent if there is a true correspondence between the “virtual” simulation system and the “real” hardware system. In order to provide cell calibration, it is important to be able to measure the absolute position of the robot and other strategic locations within the cell. This paper presents details of a measuring system for recording tool point absolute positions and path trajectories. It is intended that this data is then used to improve the correlation between the simulated and the real kinematics of the robot cell

Doing evolution in economic geography

Evolutionary approaches in economic geography face questions about the relationships between their concepts, theories, methods, politics, and policy implications. Amidst the growing but unsettled consensus that evolutionary approaches should employ plural methodologies, the aims here are, first, to identify some of the difficult issues confronting those working with different frameworks. The concerns comprise specifying and connecting research objects, subjects, and levels; handling agency and context; engaging and integrating the quantitative and the qualitative; comparing cases; and, considering politics, policy, and praxis. Second, the purpose is to articulate a distinctive geographical political economy approach, methods, and illustrative examples in addressing these issues. Bringing different views of evolution in economic geography into dialogue and disagreement renders methodological pluralism a means toward improved understanding and explanation rather than an end in itself. Confronting such thorny matters needs to be embedded in our research practices and supported by greater openness; more and better substantiation of our conceptual, theoretical, and empirical claims; enhanced critical reflection; and deeper engagement with politics, policy, and praxis

Practical case of rapid prototyping using gas metal arc welding

To prove the viability of ‘Rapid Prototyping using Fusion Welding’ the author presents an example of a component created using this process. At this stage of the work, the process is not yet completed thus some of the modules that are part of this process were generated artificially. This paper will present the following sections: 1) a basic idea of how the process works, 2) description of each step in the process, 3) software/hardware used, 4) how each module was performed on the creation of this example, 5) the resultant shape and values, 6) deviations from the planned shape and 7) some conclusions

A low cost cell calibration technique and its PC based control software

In this study, a technique will be presented to measure the absolute position of a robot and any other strategic positions within the workcell, and also its specially built control software. One of the most important factors affecting the absolute or world accuracy of robots is the variation in arm geometry from a perfect kinematics form. Since arm position is essentially controlled by means of joint angles, Cartesian co-ordinates of the tool centre point are derived from the forward kinematics transform equations assuming a perfect kinematics form. Any deviation from this perfect case will result in world positional errors and hence, for effective off-line programming it is important to calibrate the real robot hardware against the virtual model used by the robot simulation computer systems. This paper will report on work carried out in developing such low cost calibration technique, its PC Based control software and performance monitoring systems

Spectral radiometry and tropospheric aerosols: Report of panel

The term aerosols, as used here, refers to the haze, smoke, and dust that appear in the troposphere. The term does not refer to the hydrometeors in cumulus and stratus clouds but does include the sulfuric acid-water droplets which are assumed to predominate in the stratospheric aerosol layer. The aerosol properties that were measured from satellites and those which can be made in the near term (up to 1992) will be reviewed. The capabilities that will exist in the years 1992 to 2000, with implementation of EOS, are then discussed. Finally, a few words will be said concerning the potential for aerosol measurements for the decade after 2000

Preparation of 6‐ 3 H glucocerebroside

Glucocerebroside (1–0‐β‐glucosyl ceramide) can be labeled with 3 H‐borohydride at the 6‐position of the glucose moiety. The 6‐trityl ether of cerebroside is formed first, the remaining hydroxyl groups are acetylated, the trityl group is removed, and the free 6‐hydroxyl group is oxidized to an aldehyde. The carbonyl group is then reduced with borohydride and the acetyl groups are removed, regenerating the original glycolipid.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/90217/1/2580130309_ftp.pd

Liver transplantation for type IV glycogen storage disease

TYPE IV glycogen storage disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder (also called Andersen's disease1 or amylopectinosis) in which the activity of branching enzyme alpha-1, 4-glucan: alpha-1, 4-glucan 6-glucosyltransferase is deficient in the liver as well as in cultured skin fibroblasts and other tissues.2,3 This branching enzyme is responsible for creating branch points in the normal glycogen molecule. In the relative or absolute absence of this enzyme, an insoluble and irritating form of glycogen, an amylopectin-like polysaccharide that resembles plant starch, accumulates in the cells. The amylopectin-like form is less soluble than normal glycogen, with longer outer and inner chains. © 1991, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved