tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30502099178490839932024-03-19T13:31:00.444-07:00Making it Here: Rotor Clip and US ManufacturingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-12988029652791463092018-06-01T04:56:00.001-07:002018-06-01T04:56:37.804-07:00Plastic For The Roads of America's Future?<a href="https://amp.businessinsider.com/images/55ae4556371d22dd2e8b71c6-750-563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="15832_ext 02" border="0" height="300" sizes="(min-width: 960px) and (max-width: 1259px) 640px, (min-width: 1260px) 960px, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) 50vw, 100vw" src="https://amp.businessinsider.com/images/55ae4556371d22dd2e8b71c6-750-563.jpg" srcset="https://amp.businessinsider.com/images/55ae4556371d22dd2e8b71c6-160-120.jpg 160w, https://amp.businessinsider.com/images/55ae4556371d22dd2e8b71c6-320-240.jpg 320w, https://amp.businessinsider.com/images/55ae4556371d22dd2e8b71c6-480-360.jpg 480w, https://amp.businessinsider.com/images/55ae4556371d22dd2e8b71c6-640-480.jpg 640w, https://amp.businessinsider.com/images/55ae4556371d22dd2e8b71c6-750-563.jpg 750w, https://amp.businessinsider.com/images/55ae4556371d22dd2e8b71c6-960-720.jpg 960w, https://amp.businessinsider.com/images/55ae4556371d22dd2e8b71c6-1136-852.jpg 1136w, https://amp.businessinsider.com/images/55ae4556371d22dd2e8b71c6-1334-1001.jpg 1334w, https://amp.businessinsider.com/images/55ae4556371d22dd2e8b71c6-1536-1152.jpg 1536w, https://amp.businessinsider.com/images/55ae4556371d22dd2e8b71c6-1920-1440.jpg 1920w, https://amp.businessinsider.com/images/55ae4556371d22dd2e8b71c6-2560-1920.jpg 2560w, https://amp.businessinsider.com/images/55ae4556371d22dd2e8b71c6-2732-2049.jpg 2732w" width="400" /></a>The "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" is really more a steady, circulated, mass stream of garbage in the Pacific Ocean. Despite more and more awareness of its existence, there doesn't seem to be much action planned to address the environmental catastrophe. That said, some companies bringing sustainability into their models are viewing plastic, not as a moral imperative, but a valuable resource to rebuild one of the most important aspects of infrastructure: roads.<br />
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In 2015, Dutch construction company, VolkerWessel began plans with Rotterdam city officials to replace current paved roads with attachable, <a href="https://thinkamericaradio.com/project/recycled-plastic-roads/" target="_blank">Lego-like plastic modules,</a> all made from recycled materials. The project, in its final testing stages before being introduced to public use, is impressive, but only the latest in many similar efforts to incorporate reusable plastic into road materials all around the world. Tami Nadu, in Southern India, is a region light years ahead of VolkerWessel, having already <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/india-roads-recycled-plastic/" target="_blank">paved hundreds of miles worth of roads with plastic.</a> And in Ghana, the company <a href="https://inhabitat.com/a-company-in-ghana-is-turning-plastic-bags-into-roads/" target="_blank">Nelplast</a> has received assistance from the Ghana Environmental Ministry to develop and distribute asphalt mixed with plastic and sand to local districts.<br />
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" style="margin-top: -14px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas DOT plans to test Hossein's use of<br />
plastic pins for slope stabilization.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the United States, while this innovation isn't near being brought to life as these worldwide efforts, plastic roads has its proponents, as well as the companies who could make such an undertaking happen. Dr. Sahadat Hossein, a civil engineer at the University of Texas, Arlington, received a million dollar grant a few years ago from the Texas Department of Transportation for developing <a href="https://phys.org/news/2017-05-uta-civil-power-recycled-plastic.html" target="_blank">plastic road pins </a>out of recycled beverage bottles. Dr. Hossein successfully showed that pins consisting of about 500 plastic bottles in material, could be inserted into Texas roads, <a href="https://www.citylab.com/transportation/2013/09/what-if-roads-lasted-twice-long/6862/" target="_blank">delaying them from cracking and falling apart as weather erodes the underlying soil</a>. The project is already in controlled-site testing, and there are already Texas-based companies like <a href="http://www.dykespaving.com/blog/texas-roads-made-from-plastic/" target="_blank">Dykes Paving</a>, which have a long history of paving roads with sustainable, environmental-friendly methods and resources.<br />
<br />
While the construction process for plastic roads is far from ideal, the opportunity to create a sustainable and profitable supply chain is clearly there. Entrepreneurial interest in cleaning up the oceans abound, and the maintenance benefits of plastic as raw material for roads far outweigh the current costs of asphalt. For a look at VolkerWessel's PlasticRoads video pitch, click below:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/70-Jnw1CgT0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/70-Jnw1CgT0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-81351963089925576562018-04-25T07:10:00.000-07:002018-04-25T07:10:35.664-07:00Giving Sense of Movement To Bionics<a href="https://blogs.unb.ca/newsroom/files/2018/03/25b0f12d83ca061561ab351d5fc6af5ajon_sensinger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jon Sensinger" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogs.unb.ca/newsroom/files/2018/03/25b0f12d83ca061561ab351d5fc6af5ajon_sensinger.jpg" width="320" /></a>One of the most promising and dynamic areas of current manufacturing in America is the medical field, where experts estimate the industry is on course to generate over $150 billion in worth by the end of this year. Much of the success of the recent upsurge in the American medical industry is due to technological breakthroughs in surgical appliances and devices. Demand for the next generation of medical equipment is driving investments such as <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180313005157/en/IntriCon-Expands-U.S.-Manufacturing-Footprint-Meet-Rising" target="_blank">IntriCon's latest 30,000 acre expansion </a>of its existing Arden Hills facilities. Specifically, bionics show much potential, and the field is exploding with over <a href="https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/03/26/1452853/0/en/Medical-Bionics-Market-is-Expected-to-Reach-US-36-818-2-Million-By-2026-Credence-Research.html" target="_blank">$36 million in worth</a>. Biotech enhancements and replacements span multiple patient needs, from the maimed veteran to the elderly person who just wants to walk to the corner store without knee pain.<br />
<div>
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At the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, specialists bring many of the most cutting-edge designs of current bionic research out of the lab and into patient use. While there always exists barriers in upgrading the mechanics of current biotechnology, some of the most important work being done seeks to unlock mysteries surrounding the human body. Together with fellow colleagues in Canada, researchers at Cleveland Clinic may have solved one of the most elusive problems in advancing bionic prosthetics for patients. </div>
<div>
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Led by <a href="http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/10/432/eaao6990" target="_blank">Paul Marasco</a>, researchers at the Laboratory for Bionic Integration, a part of Cleveland Cinic's Lerner Research Institute, worked with a team led by John Sensinger of University of New Brunswick's Institute of Biomedical Engineering (as well as supporting experts in Alberta and Virgina), to <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/bionics-breakthrough-creates-renewed-sense-of-movement-for-amputees-1.3842952" target="_blank">crack the code</a> of restoring kinesthesia- the innate sense of movement- to patients relying on bionic limbs. Although bionic limbs have made vast improvements in maneuverability and ease of use, they have always been limited to one sense: sight. In order to fulfill mundane tasks like picking up objects, patients must be able to see their prosthetic limbs in action so that they are accurately used.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i2.wp.com/neurosciencenews.com/files/2018/03/amputation-limb-sensation-neurosciencenews.jpg?fit=750%2C422" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image result for cleveland clinic bionics breakthrough kinesthesia" border="0" class="irc_mi" height="225" src="https://i2.wp.com/neurosciencenews.com/files/2018/03/amputation-limb-sensation-neurosciencenews.jpg?fit=750%2C422" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleveland Clinic illustrates the idea behind granting greater kinesthesia<br />
to patients with prosthetics. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The process is fascinating and a lesson in utilizing the body to accept prosthetic enhancements using innovative thinking. With the knowledge that the brain can sense movement in a set of muscles through tiny vibrations, the team used tiny robots to create micro-vibrations within the afflicted muscles (or sometimes even just a rerouted nerve activating that muscle). The result was an illusion of sensation for the patients, whereby they could stay aware of how their bionic limb was moving through space without needing to look at it.<br />
<br />
Implications of this innovation are huge.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> "<span style="background-color: white;">By restoring the intuitive feeling of limb movement — the sensation of opening and closing your hand — we are able to blur the lines between what the patients’ brains perceived as self versus machine,”</span><span style="background-color: white;"> says Marasco. This feat may allow similar breakthroughs that will further integrate machinery into a human being's biological system. Prosthetic limbs, as well as exoskeletons such as the<a href="https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/bridging-bionics-helps-the-mobility-challenged-stand-tall/article_9aae2192-21bb-11e8-9898-7b73e0362987.html" target="_blank"> Ekso</a> which, since its 2012 introduction to the market, has been making strides in improvement, will more and more be greeted by a user's mind and body as one and the same. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;">Donal Thoms-Cappello is a freelance writer for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" style="color: #993322;" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company</a>.</i></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-31634231379938618262018-04-17T07:32:00.000-07:002018-04-17T07:34:52.418-07:00Robots and the US Worker: A Potential Alliance?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3-TZLSB8kJUwGtBFziJC3uwozPy7H2-pKHAfx08J9KNPhCT5EWuCMx4apAWh9tkWggw3Dk2xihyphenhyphenRDvSah2f5nHaEENkRlTh5EvK8-8p2ymJcOi1AuGl7caifJWl-bzuS7WvPis2b3OQ/s1600/ligne_pales_bordescyril_abad_-_safran.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="650" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3-TZLSB8kJUwGtBFziJC3uwozPy7H2-pKHAfx08J9KNPhCT5EWuCMx4apAWh9tkWggw3Dk2xihyphenhyphenRDvSah2f5nHaEENkRlTh5EvK8-8p2ymJcOi1AuGl7caifJWl-bzuS7WvPis2b3OQ/s400/ligne_pales_bordescyril_abad_-_safran.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A worker operates a robotic arm at <a href="https://www.safran-helicopter-engines.com/media/factory-future-safran-activates-fully-automated-helicopter-engine-turbine-blade-production-line-20161201" target="_blank">Safran</a>. Photo: Cyril Abad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Watching the news or reading online, it could be easy to conclude the average American is fighting tooth and nail against an emerging trend of automation in the workplace. It is true that American employment has been effected in some way by automation. Many Americans<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2017-10-30/ap-poll-americans-unafraid-of-robots-taking-jobs" target="_blank"> have seen evidence</a> of job losses as a result of robot replacements. That said, most of the country do not believe they will be replaced by one, themselves. This could be good, old-fashioned cognitive dissonance, but it could also signal the question of whether the future of labor belongs to the worker or the robot is not nearly as binary as it is framed in the clumsy narrative of mainstream media. In fact, more and more, it could very well be argued that automation could save American employment.<br />
<br />
To be sure, the world of robotics is currently integrating itself into the US industry at <a href="http://www.machinedesign.com/industrial-automation/breakdown-robot-sales-2017" target="_blank">skyrocketing rates</a>. 2017 was a banner year, as over $1.47 billion worth of robotics were ordered throughout North America in the first nine months, alone. Traditional industries from automobiles to food and service saw an increase in robotic parts, as well as non-automated parts. This upsurge represents the greatest number yet of automated integration. By some rationale, it would then follow job numbers would have an inverse trend. On the contrary, employment for manufacturing has been steadily increasing from 2010 to at least 2016. Could this be in <i>spite</i> of robotics? It is true that <a href="http://michiganradio.org/post/will-robots-replace-workers-or-create-new-jobs" target="_blank">correlation does not equal causation</a>, but experts within the industry see ample evidence to support the idea that automation is creating opportunities for niche hires, or even new job titles, altogether. <br />
<br />
One such example is the field of <a href="https://www.visiononline.org/vision-resources-details.cfm/vision-resources/Application-Specific-Machine-Vision-Optimized-to-the-Max/content_id/3473" target="_blank">Application Specific Machine Vision</a> (ASMV). While Machine Vision is defined as pliable in application, ASMV are turnkey systems that find ways to implement specific roles across multiple industries: experience-heavy in the small picture, interchangeable in the big one. ASMV as a market is expected to increase this year, and it represents an intersection of old-industry expertise and new standardization. Because it is a technology that uses specifications for tools such as sensors and lasers, it will demand new skills for maintenance and development. Especially in the context of development, companies would do well to cultivate an innovative working force. ASMV is intended to be constantly added to in hard and software, and workers who inherently understand a company's unique installation from the time it is implemented on will be of high value. Therefore, whole new wings of IT departments could certainly result in a company's large-scale adoption of ASMV. Additionally, managing ASMV on a daily basis will require applicable skills for even the basic floor worker. <br />
<br />
None of this is to say the transition into the new model of workforce will be easy, nor to diminish the pain of mass amounts of jobs designed for a 20th century world suddenly finding itself redundant or unnecessary for new demands. Automated factories may very well be a difficult realm for the working class to navigate. The signs are there, however, that new workers will be needed to train and learn to operate within them. While technology is more and more impressive and encompassing, it still yields to the same patterns of the Industrial Age; when invention solves a demand, it can open up several more.<br />
<br />
<i>Donal Thoms-Cappello is a freelance writer for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company</a>.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-9275255578899826062018-03-26T08:13:00.002-07:002018-03-26T08:13:59.248-07:00GM's Next Bolt EV WIll Have No Steering Wheel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVusK12-ZNskBoah-j3vMv83vnUlMg7qs1UibA_oJOZwa8BrWbCHpuZxoOwJNMKl5LoAgu3v3wEDTK4UxRsyoS7eqCmPqZ3hZj1gILwPoI25rzYkHSpGHfgHIWVBhUUJI3fYXaOby2Y5c/s1600/imagesvc.timeincapp.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1440" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVusK12-ZNskBoah-j3vMv83vnUlMg7qs1UibA_oJOZwa8BrWbCHpuZxoOwJNMKl5LoAgu3v3wEDTK4UxRsyoS7eqCmPqZ3hZj1gILwPoI25rzYkHSpGHfgHIWVBhUUJI3fYXaOby2Y5c/s400/imagesvc.timeincapp.com.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Last week saw what may turn out to be a giant event in the world of automation, as General Motors unveiled their prototype for their fourth-generation Bolt EV model. The big reveal? <a href="http://www.thedrive.com/tech/17616/gms-next-generation-self-driving-car-has-no-steering-wheel" target="_blank">No steering wheel, nor pedal.</a><br />
<br />
While this is not unprecedented in design, GM claims theirs is the first fully automated electric vehicle to be made with a traditional mass production process. Although this may not be technically true (Chrystler and Waymo could also claim the title), it does seem that GM has a way to ensure the Bolt EV, complete with multiple redundant sensory, navigational, and computer systems, will be ready for a proclaimed massive rollout by 2019. It is an ambitious target, but one that seems well within reality.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3yPiDsQCJCpJTkjNlwG0yhKoQR1SDTRGNg2b41GaZ42iiZkL1dHeo6cCYIk3qqfRETC-sCM0zw4zlCq67U-fcEo8bgI4xZ9rhtwl28AccFwqTuCTyrsrvtZZLgSkBTDYbwF7qD3alYU/s1600/Cruise-Bolt-EV-San-Francisco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3yPiDsQCJCpJTkjNlwG0yhKoQR1SDTRGNg2b41GaZ42iiZkL1dHeo6cCYIk3qqfRETC-sCM0zw4zlCq67U-fcEo8bgI4xZ9rhtwl28AccFwqTuCTyrsrvtZZLgSkBTDYbwF7qD3alYU/s320/Cruise-Bolt-EV-San-Francisco.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GM's Bolt EV-S is being planned for a 2019 debut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Automated driving vehicles have taken a bit of a bloody nose in PR lately, with a Tesla AV model <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/30/tesla-autopilot-death-self-driving-car-elon-musk" target="_blank">crashing in 2016 </a>and the recent embarrassment of an automated shuttle for Las Vegas tourism having a fender bender on <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/las-vegas-shuttle-crash-self-driving-autonomous/" target="_blank">its first day of launch</a>. Nevertheless, there is now a body of boring evidence, consisting of AV's being used on campuses and closed roads, that point to <a href="http://fticommunications.com/2017/06/global-race-autonomous-vehicles-views-united-states-europe-asia/" target="_blank">integration being possible</a>. The optics of the announcement amount to this stunning picture that immediately dares the everyday driver to imagine their commute in a whole new way. As GM President Dan Amman said,<br />
"When you see this image for the first time it's quite striking...That's why we believe this is a notable moment on the journey to full AV deployment." <br />
<br />
GM's Bolt EV line has a recent history of moderate success. While it did not yield strong sales in established European markets for electric vehicles, over 23,000 were sold in the US in 2017, and an introductory delivery of 600 to Korea tested so well, GM will be <a href="https://electrek.co/2018/01/16/gm-chevy-bolt-ev-south-korea/" target="_blank">sending up to 5,000 more</a>. Though <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/12/gm-is-seeking-approval-for-an-autonomous-car-that-has-no-steering-wheel-or-pedals.html" target="_blank">current regulations</a> and the vehicle's affordability (it is still expected to be more than the average cost of a fossil-fuel engine car) are still going to be significant obstacles, the slow but accelerating rise in <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/energy/2017/12/29/number-electric-vehicle-charging-points-rise-significantly-2018/987699001/" target="_blank">EV charging infrastructure</a> all over major cities in the country may signal to curious customers that the up-front cost is worth the long-term savings in fuel. The pieces are all there for an automated driving world. Now all that's left is to find out if Americans want it. <br />
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<i>Donal Thoms-Cappello is a freelance writer for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company</a>.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-68741305269737100672018-03-02T10:23:00.001-08:002018-03-02T10:23:09.601-08:00In Medical 3D Printing, The Ears Have It.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6ULVuP-5QfmvKtIvU5CQwhiIboQ1rx2IG7PxY5T91NIBpSfie5QFRiKBhs3um4suxw-7w633zs6QwQnY9S224NqSEeCJ4iTJLj-9T-01BwDDtOSqtN6AKIfk9oQGg5eTdQ1RIR_8RdU/s1600/bones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="718" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6ULVuP-5QfmvKtIvU5CQwhiIboQ1rx2IG7PxY5T91NIBpSfie5QFRiKBhs3um4suxw-7w633zs6QwQnY9S224NqSEeCJ4iTJLj-9T-01BwDDtOSqtN6AKIfk9oQGg5eTdQ1RIR_8RdU/s400/bones.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A before-and-after of how a 3D printed prosthetic accurately "snaps" into place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As 3D printing makes its way out of the prototype labs and into countless <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/3d-printing-homes-tech-innovation-pet-sculpture-advances-latest-a8163856.html" target="_blank">real-world scenarios</a>, it seems to be accelerating fastest among the advances in the medical industry. While this includes uses such as designing and building cutting edge technology and instruments, 3D printing has now extended beyond the tools, and is now showing multiple ways it can assist in the actual material of the medical world itself: the human body.<br />
<br />
In the US, researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore worked to combine CT scanning with 3D printing to create<a href="https://www.designnews.com/materials-assembly/3d-printing-used-create-prosthetics-restore-hearing-loss/11019028658158" target="_blank"> custom-designed prosthetic replacements for parts of the middle ear</a>. Led by Jeffrey Hirsch MD, assistant professor of radiology at the university, the team finally created a breakthrough in a procedure that had been attempted unsuccessfully before. Hearing loss can often be a result of damage to the three tiny bones in the middle ear called the ossicles. Because their job is to conduct sound from the ear drum to the cochlea, ossicles are extremely unique to the shape of an individual's ear. Whereas surgery has been an option in the past to repair or reconstruct those bones, the ossicles are so tiny that the procedure has a high failure rate. Integrating 3D printing into the process of prosthetic manufacture, however, greatly improves the accuracy of a replacement doing the job of the original bones. As Dr. Hirsch explained in a press release to <a href="https://press.rsna.org/timssnet/media/pressreleases/14_pr_target.cfm?ID=1970" target="_blank">Radiological Society of North America</a>, "This study highlights the core strength of 3-D printing — the ability
to very accurately reproduce anatomic relationships in space to a
sub-millimeter level...With these models, it's almost a
snap fit."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://gizmodo.com/five-chinese-children-get-lab-made-ears-grown-from-thei-1822531529" target="_blank">reconstruct the degenerating ears of five children</a>. The patients, each suffering from a form of microtia, had their healthy ears mapped out, and new ears cultivated from their own cells in a lab. Thus, a major regenerated body part grown on a mold, was able to remain compatible and reattach itself. This has incredible ramifications. In addition to revolutionizing how facial and body reconstruction is done, it proves the current limits of surgery when it comes to cartilage growth, organ donation, and prosthetics themselves may soon prove obsolete.<br />
While this is one demonstration of the successful role 3D printing can have to bridge gaps existing between traditional technology and biological progress, it is not the only one. Using the similar method of complimenting 3D printing with CT scanning, tissue engineers in China were recently able to <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Wcj82qvCyB8pflo0DpMKDhresX9veUL5YGTM_SKGc2JY95fxQQ_LlG7o7K3GEor6qsomcUAIPr0tFKzc-5-5zbP7NDjnfSWYnyfueXfDSLCQhfPbJp6i94Kcqz4H-Y3CBIe5nWkQAzM/s1600/kbqefy9smif7sceszt0c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Wcj82qvCyB8pflo0DpMKDhresX9veUL5YGTM_SKGc2JY95fxQQ_LlG7o7K3GEor6qsomcUAIPr0tFKzc-5-5zbP7NDjnfSWYnyfueXfDSLCQhfPbJp6i94Kcqz4H-Y3CBIe5nWkQAzM/s320/kbqefy9smif7sceszt0c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How CT scanning works with 3D printing for reconstruction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Is it possible both these advances can co-exist? Or do they demonstrate a fork in the road for the medical industry. Beyond the ear, it seems the added bonus of creating organic composition with 3D printers makes using any foreign materials unnecessary for any part of the human body, in the long run. Perhaps this could one day be the case, but as engineering advancements on the genetic level with <a href="http://theconversation.com/what-is-crispr-gene-editing-and-how-does-it-work-84591" target="_blank">CRISPR </a>are currently proving, to give the green light to our anatomy as a part of the supply chain may open up very dicey <a href="https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/ethical-issues-in-genome-editing-using-crisprcas9-system-2155-9627-1000266.php?aid=70914" target="_blank">ethical questions</a>. 3D printing is obliterating walls between the industrial and biological revolutions; we may find out sooner than later whether we are prepared for what that could mean. <br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Donal Thoms-Cappello is a freelance writer for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company</a>.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-16501735119448419602018-02-02T05:37:00.000-08:002018-02-02T05:37:42.194-08:00Three Models to Bring the Mobile Home Into the Future <br />
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Mobile home owners in America generally deal with an unfair
stigma of being low income, underinvested, or impermanent. Out of the <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-24135022" target="_blank">20million mobile home owners in America</a>, however, there is so much variety, it
would be unfair to apply these characteristics to them all. Mobile communities
in the U.S. are not only numerous; they are growing and diversifying in so many
forms. In fact, the space-conscious models of the typical mobile home make it
ideal to create new generations of homeowners that must co-exist in
ever-increasing populations across cities of the new century. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvUGPmJMozzCWqbZxAP8TBhXnYX3GDiFBrnJ5b9Brbe8HCisTj-c-7jcoPna6v8TnZQYhxPK6Mh7y7ilJaUWzVmuqyKlItpElxtqYVPBGumsRavNfjKcL64EJ6SfyNaad1RGxYYqNFDw/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvUGPmJMozzCWqbZxAP8TBhXnYX3GDiFBrnJ5b9Brbe8HCisTj-c-7jcoPna6v8TnZQYhxPK6Mh7y7ilJaUWzVmuqyKlItpElxtqYVPBGumsRavNfjKcL64EJ6SfyNaad1RGxYYqNFDw/s1600/index.jpg" /></a>Ironically, thousands of mobile home communities dotting
across the country consist of residents who never leave their lot. Yet, as
population and weather pattern shifts around the country, picking up and
leaving can be more and more considered a necessity for many citizens. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Considering this, it makes sense for companies in
construction and manufacturing - both residential and commercial- to explore
this rising demand. Trends such as “tiny houses” and redesigned prefabricated
homes may be pointing towards a “new norm” of home ownership. While there have
already been numerous ideas that emphasize space-conscious minimalism and
repurposing or relocating, they tend to be aimed at small luxury markets. The
potential for the average American small business or resident, however, to be
part of a rethinking of movable homes, is still there, and largely untapped. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5zFVJxTgWcdxByVdWzSHw0c1XMPn24-zYFVW5uqR1I3rrpuYrWVCk9iAaX78nX6byl4wjRHjCerzrdIA2cPb0-4iS9JXPaywGmjBangkV2riKYfIUkUB3T7hHJguXWe0Xs0BNtQt5Yg/s1600/madi.png.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="480" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5zFVJxTgWcdxByVdWzSHw0c1XMPn24-zYFVW5uqR1I3rrpuYrWVCk9iAaX78nX6byl4wjRHjCerzrdIA2cPb0-4iS9JXPaywGmjBangkV2riKYfIUkUB3T7hHJguXWe0Xs0BNtQt5Yg/s320/madi.png.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.madihome.com/" target="_blank"><b>MADI’s Sustainable Pre-Fab Home</b></a>: There are many companies
already exploring with ways to build flexible and mobile residences. One such <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is the Italian-based prefab home company,
MADI. Designed by world-renowned architect, Renato Vidal, the company’s newest
model is a singular <a href="http://www.greenmatters.com/living/2017/12/07/1Puch7/sustainable-prefab-aframe" target="_blank">A-frame</a> that can be delivered and installed on a property
in just under seven hours with minimal labor. Available in three sizes, MADI’s
house is solar-powered, so it can function off-grid, and its smallest version
comes in at only $33,000; a few thousand cheaper than the average single-wide mobile home. </div>
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<b><a href="https://www.tenfoldengineering.com/" target="_blank">Ten Fold Engineering</a></b>: This UK company has come up with a
one-of-a-kind lever-folding system to produce homes that can literally <a href="https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/ten-fold-engineering-foldable-buildings/" target="_blank">"build themselves"</a> within 10 minutes. All that is needed is an electric drill to
begin the process, and a fail-safe designed around the floors being folded
ensure the building will never fold on its own while residents are inside.What’s
more, Ten Fold’s construction is designed around ready-made spaces, making it
possible to even transport desired furniture and utilities. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xSDsH6mwHqE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xSDsH6mwHqE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXfIyHsSkGIj7uRa7lqfO2Ga1DyxTYxg-m2BD5NpkJQ58_qwjoZFOybHvyVS-qZCOvjQ8GAam2oFTsw6g6gaqA_A9IcJTucswTkYcFSUTBtit8MjghX05N2jorvRgLOLv6pgmpiAKNxs/s1600/ten-fold-engineering-treehouses-1020x610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="480" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXfIyHsSkGIj7uRa7lqfO2Ga1DyxTYxg-m2BD5NpkJQ58_qwjoZFOybHvyVS-qZCOvjQ8GAam2oFTsw6g6gaqA_A9IcJTucswTkYcFSUTBtit8MjghX05N2jorvRgLOLv6pgmpiAKNxs/s320/ten-fold-engineering-treehouses-1020x610.jpg" width="320" /></a>Their protoypes can
apply to homes, but also events or businesses where comfort and style is prioritized
over permanence. As the company’s founder, David Martyn, has said, the mobility
aspect of the home was intentionally explored to address economic realities of
shifting workforces that value the choice to relocate for opportunity: “It
changes the dynamics of the market, which does need to change because it is a
transportable property asset. This is a real solid building that doesn’t have
to stay in the same place. This is about speed, size and ease, and there’s
nothing else that does it.” </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLJdjHLATzrpuAgFvOFeuMLFqYPZa0n4VsBcG0VP5QCOsSH0p_2HLrIIeHrkgqpgrej1cYWJ76Fcp6tmaEtC0nSs1bOMEMjy0a5AANad3L56kcKchgnO12ZvNJ2f6pqpSAkfjTXCmEuc/s1600/img_11_1479173708_41a32543799734bd83777827f9925795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="818" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLJdjHLATzrpuAgFvOFeuMLFqYPZa0n4VsBcG0VP5QCOsSH0p_2HLrIIeHrkgqpgrej1cYWJ76Fcp6tmaEtC0nSs1bOMEMjy0a5AANad3L56kcKchgnO12ZvNJ2f6pqpSAkfjTXCmEuc/s320/img_11_1479173708_41a32543799734bd83777827f9925795.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.jetcapsule.com/" target="_blank"><b>Jet Capsule</b></a>: Mobile lots don’t need to be limited to the ground, either. In<a href="http://rotorclip.blogspot.ca/2016/10/ufo-houseboat-brings-tiny-house-concept.html" target="_blank">2016, we profiled Jet Capsule</a>, an Italian yachting company that was exploring a
line of floating “UFO” homes. Since then, the solar and wind-powered mini-homes
have progressed past the prototype phase and are due to <a href="https://newatlas.com/ufo-2-0-jet-capsule-floating-home/46483/" target="_blank">debut this year</a> with an
initial price of around $200,000: pricier, but still a reasonable price for
homeowners seeking something flexible, if unconventional.</div>
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<br />
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These examples are just one of many, and have all moved
beyond the prototype phase and are one step closer to mass production. Any one of them could be invested in and applied to communities across America right now. If such an undertaking were to happen, the term "mobile home" could one day have a whole new meaning. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-80641447124174196992018-01-16T08:41:00.004-08:002018-02-13T13:53:44.765-08:00Sea Urchin Spines Inspire Tougher Cement<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuGgqvLna75jkqbQGHg6ZzF5Ocb0RTwDHgmP5pr55HbYCjWhN9u2W_dRMXKyIsSY6UrqM3MvVaBtkUxs3fbbMfSuMQhlVOBz8-bIhloc0uflMRPuK6dGOc8tWwXk0UdusSj_2MdSZoSg/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuGgqvLna75jkqbQGHg6ZzF5Ocb0RTwDHgmP5pr55HbYCjWhN9u2W_dRMXKyIsSY6UrqM3MvVaBtkUxs3fbbMfSuMQhlVOBz8-bIhloc0uflMRPuK6dGOc8tWwXk0UdusSj_2MdSZoSg/s1600/index.jpg" /></a>Sea Urchins usually call to mind horrid hours of pulling their dreaded spines out of one's feet after a careless step in the ocean. The long sharp tendrils are a natural defense mechanism for the invertebrate, and notorious for the pain their venom causes (though not fatal). While a nuisance during a day at the beach, however, the animal may have proved invaluable in a seemingly unrelated way.<br />
<br />
Researchers at the University of Konstanz may have found a method to create a <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/11/171129150927.htm" target="_blank">fracture-resistant type of cement</a>. The team's evidence boils down to replicating the nanostructure of the sea urchin spine, reinforcing durability.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enhanced view of sea urchin spine calcite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Publishing their work in the<a href="http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/advances/3/11/e1701216.full.pdf" target="_blank"> December 1st edition of <i>Science Advances</i></a>, the Physical Chemistry team, led by Professor Helmut Colfen, were able to engineer, on the nanoscale, a layer system mirroring a natural process. Dubbed the "brick and mortar" method, the sea urchin spine especially demonstrates this by alternating layers of hard crystalline with soft calcium carbonate. In this design, impact may indeed crack an outer layer, but the force is redistributed and nullified through a softer layer working in tandem with its counterpart. Applied to the make-up of cement, Colfen and his research team were able to produce samples showing "a value of
200 megapascals." The report continues:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"By comparison: Mussel shells, which are the gold
standard in fracture-resistance, reach a value of 210 megapascals, which
is only slightly higher. The concrete commonly used today has a value
of two to five megapascals." </blockquote>
Sea Urchin spines have served as inspiration before in the science community. In fact, a Chinese university published their findings in March in how the spines can be used to advance <a href="http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsami.7b01645" target="_blank">bone repair</a> in humans. In the world of raw materials, cement being restructured to exponentially withstand impact like this opens vast potential for construction and architecture possibilities. Traditional limits in structural integrity may be rendered obsolete, and reorganizing materials on the microscopic level before they even reach the stage of sale could demand a completely new type of technological infrastructure in the industry. It is all just another reminder that while Mother Nature gets overlooked, she rarely is improved upon.<br />
<br />
<i>Donal Thoms-Cappello is a freelance writer for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company</a>.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-75957626499116606462017-12-18T13:52:00.000-08:002017-12-18T13:52:47.331-08:00Bionic Boots Prove The Potential in Amateur Manufacturing <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWwcyNoKb0NZ6mIFsRE-7HueHnOdwAx58UpDCELUVXeHPZdnRyPhAb-qc6lBiKlIWuyKkLDo88XlBGwULZJ4_D-KN4pLmB4buiJPTE91Kz2-6hkiK9wU2CZgL76i6JGXWkJzSAQVTHDc/s1600/keahi-seymour-and-his-bionic-boot-at-the-worlds-fair-nano-in-san-francisco.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="700" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWwcyNoKb0NZ6mIFsRE-7HueHnOdwAx58UpDCELUVXeHPZdnRyPhAb-qc6lBiKlIWuyKkLDo88XlBGwULZJ4_D-KN4pLmB4buiJPTE91Kz2-6hkiK9wU2CZgL76i6JGXWkJzSAQVTHDc/s320/keahi-seymour-and-his-bionic-boot-at-the-worlds-fair-nano-in-san-francisco.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keahi Seymour shows off his years-long creation at the Worlds Fair Nano (via Inverse)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For lessons in the patience required of entrepreneurship, look no further than Keahi Seymour. All the way back in 2014 at the <a href="http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/how-to/g1630/8-awesome-projects-from-maker-faire-new-york-2014/" target="_blank">Maker Faire</a>, Seymour was showing off his bionic boots prototype to interested spectators and potential investors alike. At the recent Worlds Fair Nano in New York City, Seymour was still at it, giving demonstrations to curious onlookers and interviews to assigned press. From a shortsighted perspective, Seymour's invention, boots that mirror an ostrich's muscle structure to achieve speeds <a href="https://www.outerplaces.com/science/item/17000-bionic-boots-keahi-seymour-video" target="_blank">up to 25 mph</a>, can be seen as a market burnout. While able to be purchased on Amazon, the product does not seem to have picked up speed from any major capital investment since Seymour's demonstration in 2014. If he has any major buyers looking to assist his goal of three price-tiers for different customers, Seymour hasn't been forthright about it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9aiR50PUhI8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9aiR50PUhI8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
In the bigger picture, however, it would be wiser to view the gigantic potential in Seymour's design. The current prototype, <a href="https://www.inverse.com/article/27221-bionic-boot-keahi-seymour-worlds-fair-nano" target="_blank">the X17</a>, is made out of a variety of carbon composite materials: materials that become cheaper over the years as more efficient methods are developed in making them. Not to mention, as more and more urban areas realign their transportation landscapes to compensate for overpopulation and an automated future, the less a vehicle takes up shared space on the road, the better. The X-17 not only has the advantage of shifting from roads to sidewalks, but the user doesn't need to look for a parking spot, or even find a place to lock it up. They can store these boots in the office.<br />
<br />
Of course, any potential product needing expensive materials such as titanium and carbon fiber will be a pretty penny to bring to mass retail. Seymour has claimed in an interview with Inverse, though, that he sees lower price grade versions of his bionic boots being made with cheaper materials. He has also said in the past the same power can be replicated using traditional parts such as springs and actuators. These are not above the realm of an average American manufacturer, and Seymour is convinced this X-17 is ready for just that. If his boots are, indeed, introduced into the consumer transportation and leisure market, it may be one of many oncoming trends of crowd-sourced robotics coming to fruition.<br />
<br />
You can track updates from Seymour about his bionic boots here at his <a href="http://www.bionicboot.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.<br />
<br />
<i>Donal Thoms-Cappello is a freelance writer for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company</a>.</i><br />
<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-45539095089365581052017-12-05T10:27:00.000-08:002017-12-18T13:53:07.175-08:00Virtual Reality Hits the R&D Lab<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Through many eras, the toys of past, with advances in technology, often turn into the tools of the present. Nowhere is there a better current example of this than the world of Virtual and Augmented Reality. Normally associated with entertainment culture and the gaming world, VR/AR tech has found a valuable role in the manufacturing and engineering industries.<br />
<br />
In a recent <a href="http://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/AECOM-and-HTC-announce-agreement-to-develop-virtual-reality-technologies-for-the-architecture-engineering-and-construction-industry-1007960327" target="_blank">announcement</a>, global firm AECOM and tech corporation HTC, pledged to jointly develop and produce virtual reality technology designed for mass architecture, engineering, and construction efforts. Although the announcement revolves around HTC's Vive software and brand new VIVE-FOCUS headset, exclusive to the Chinese market, it is indicative of a trend the US has shared for some time.<br />
<br />
<br />
US manufacturers have already demonstrated not only an openness towards VR integration, but real-time transformation, as well. In a<a href="https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/industrial-products/library/augmented-virtual-reality-manufacturing.html" target="_blank"> survey back in 2015</a>, PWC found roughly one-third of manufacturers had planned or were already adopting VR/AR equipment for their daily product development and design. The use is only increasing, so much so that North American companies like <a href="http://www.fleetway.ca/fleetway-services-engineering-virtual-reality-3D-engineering.aspx" target="_blank">Fleetway Inc</a>. employ virtual reality for all its marine and navy architecture concept designs.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ford Motors was utilizing VR even back in 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The <a href="http://www.manufacturingglobal.com/technology/how-virtual-reality-can-improve-design-engineering" target="_blank">advantages of VR/AR in manufacturing</a> exist in the cost and time effectiveness. Creating VR models an engineer can interact with reveals potential design and application flaws that would cost tremendous amounts of money and effort even at the prototype stage. In addition, demonstrations for potential investment partners are exponentially more informative and impacting than a PowerPoint presentation.<br />
<br />
As a new industrial model adapts to smart data and lightning-fast information exchange, simple but efficient development and research will be crucial. VR/AR technology was once thought of as a novel way to spend free-time, but it may soon prove invaluable to the serious business of moving America into 21st century manufacturing. <br />
<br />
<i>Donal Thoms-Cappello is a freelance writer for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company</a>.</i>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkK9OuDUw8q6Pb6oHg-i1wWQ0f52eFKUtVXBSpB4976XjRJJb_f19VL4m0pq2uinIF341dBaOE5skrpwB_9i_QK3rEKXou_gxtriiR67UIRTxL-fM4DHaIb062tgGv1xllFTHJC80V-U/s1600/microgrid_graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1181" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkK9OuDUw8q6Pb6oHg-i1wWQ0f52eFKUtVXBSpB4976XjRJJb_f19VL4m0pq2uinIF341dBaOE5skrpwB_9i_QK3rEKXou_gxtriiR67UIRTxL-fM4DHaIb062tgGv1xllFTHJC80V-U/s320/microgrid_graphic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A basic Microgrid design (c/o Energy.gov)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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With global instability on the uptick in multiple ways, many
industries are reconsidering even the most basic of traditional models. The
recent horrors <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/10/weather/hurricane-nate-maria-irma-harvey-impact-look-back-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">Hurricanes like Maria and Irma inflicted</a> exposed the fragility of the
standard energy grid, and proved that, while the US national grid may not be as
vulnerable to natural disaster everywhere, it could very well need to adapt in
order to survive.</div>
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In this context, the microgrid as an option can
be seen as a <a href="https://www.energy.gov/oe/activities/technology-development/grid-modernization-and-smart-grid/role-microgrids-helping" target="_blank">national asset</a>. Microgrids, a largely American phenomenon so far
(almost 54% of all microgrid systems are in the US), <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are site-specific energy infrastructures
designed to work within the greater energy grid while also functioning independently.
Moreover, because they are designed to distribute energy locally, microgrids do
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integration, so as technology improves, they can adopt innovative models
without needing to be remade, which usually results in costly shutdowns for
traditional grid services. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGwxS_zox4URUHwaCG2Yx4vjznY55Dq-iUpw_0QPLR-P3V2GETsFOmi7CKO6SyY4xWe5cOIhXUz4NwAPH8LuRSoPFsJPC75sJW-J63zkBSMPmkA05SAJA79YVsOOfX7I9rp4TZkTqtVM/s1600/brief3_Figure1v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="900" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGwxS_zox4URUHwaCG2Yx4vjznY55Dq-iUpw_0QPLR-P3V2GETsFOmi7CKO6SyY4xWe5cOIhXUz4NwAPH8LuRSoPFsJPC75sJW-J63zkBSMPmkA05SAJA79YVsOOfX7I9rp4TZkTqtVM/s320/brief3_Figure1v2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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At the recent <a href="http://www.irena.org/IRENADocuments/COP23_Renewable_Energy_Day.pdf" target="_blank">COP23 Conference</a> in Bonn, Germany, microgrids
were a chief interest among investors and government officials, alike. Pittsburgh
Mayor Joe Peduto represented his city’s brugeoning microgrid community, which
has demonstrated itself as <a href="https://www.npr.org/2017/11/12/563276003/pittsburghs-microgrids-technology-could-lead-the-way-for-green-energy" target="_blank">quite ahead</a> of other areas of the field. While still
in development, the existing microgrid, created and implemented at the nearby
University of Pittsburgh engineering department, has already been planned to
complement other nearby microgrids, resulting in a chain system. This design is
ideal for a mid-sized city like Pittsburgh, which may see population and
business fluctuation in an uncertain future, and can unlink or link its
multiple energy grids with ease, depending on demand.</div>
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In addition, microgrid technology has the extra advantage of
being an ideal line of defense against <a href="https://microgridknowledge.com/microgrid-islanding-cyberattack/" target="_blank">cyberwarfare</a>. Because of their
flexibility within the larger grid, microgrids can be both connected and
disconnected- a process called “islanding”- when cybersecurity compromises the
integrity of national systems. With this in mind, defense interests have a good
reason to consider how to assist in quick and efficient microgrid integration.</div>
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The success of microgrids in natural disasters <a href="https://www.greenbiz.com/article/after-storms-its-microgrid-season-caribbean" target="_blank">has alreadybeen demonstrated</a> in the past few months. While Puerto Rico and St. Croix
continue with majority power loss, other Carribbean islands that were already
implementing microgrid technology had working water and electricity the day
after Maria passed them by. St. Eustatius made good use of its 4 megawatts of
solar energy as well as battery storage and inverter infrastructure. Necker
Island (home to Virgin Group owner Richard Branson) was also able to sustain
damage from Hurricane Irma, even to its solar panels, due to its
state-of-the-art microgrid.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbneNNpaUkZva32vbZi4H6LjpJEsoSJwpKetXzX1nd5Vnsqimx8GoJRlS5XRjQGncoq2QRdnWrsBiH8bNrKF7OmEyGp561wSFrbq3PU28kwiTdsUCobK4zLovn0vr9K2rt12bf5HhUwc/s1600/stuco_solar_farm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="770" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbneNNpaUkZva32vbZi4H6LjpJEsoSJwpKetXzX1nd5Vnsqimx8GoJRlS5XRjQGncoq2QRdnWrsBiH8bNrKF7OmEyGp561wSFrbq3PU28kwiTdsUCobK4zLovn0vr9K2rt12bf5HhUwc/s320/stuco_solar_farm.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Necker Island's Microgrid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As America looks forward, the idea of the small-scale model
seems more and more beneficial for businesses looking to revitalize communities
sooner rather than later. The microgrid not only already benefits from a proven
track record, but a climate of necessity, as well. </div>
<br />
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<i>Donal Thoms-Cappello is a freelance writer for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company</a>.</i>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-91114202567777601192017-10-20T11:17:00.000-07:002017-10-20T11:18:23.108-07:00The Story of Rotor Clip and Mr. Slass<div class="MsoNormal">
Americans take pride in their work. It is what defines us
and makes us grow in our society. We learn, educate and pass the torch to
future generations, so that they may be endowed with the same values and ethics
that previous generations held. This isn’t to say that every country doesn’t
take pride in their work; rather it exemplifies the American dream and spirit.
One man who resembled these characteristics perfectly was Robert Slass, founder
of Rotor Clip Company. He was a brilliant man, who over the years shaped Rotor
Clip into the world leader it is today-leader in the production of retaining
rings, wave springs, self-compensating hose clamps and other related products. For
those who knew him best, he was a man of passion and fiercely believed in
American Capitalism being a force for good in this country. It is because of
him that Rotor Clip stands today at 60 years old. Through the years, he
implemented creative ideas and trends that established prominence in the manufacturing
industry and helped expand his company. Through his hard work and dedication,
he created a company that is now celebrating 6 decades of life. <br />
In today’s fast moving world, many companies are bought out,
merged, or simply forced out of business: their identity and uniqueness taken
from them and thrown into a melting pot. While this is common, it doesn’t mean
it is right. Also, one thing is for certain; if Robert Slass were still around
today, he would have none of it. He believed in everyone coming to work happy
and feeling secure in their job. He encouraged employees to do their best work
and be passionate about what they were doing. Though he was described as a
little demanding, he inspired his workers to take pride in the company they
worked for and encouraged them that everyone had a function in the machine. His
establishment of Rotor Clip is capitalism at its finest; providing meaningful
jobs for a variety of people with varying skills and educations levels and give
them the opportunity to live the American Dream. Bob wanted his employees to
feel like he felt; a man with purpose and total devotion to the company he
built and the vision to expand and do better. </div>
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When Rotor Clip opened its doors in 1957, it was in a small
2000 square foot facility in Farmingdale, New York. Bob bought used equipment
and refurbished it and he bought broken stamping presses and replaced them with
custom models, using parts from other machines. For a majority of the first few
years, Robert experimented with retaining rings from strips of steel and
determined they would produce little waste and help the customer save on costs.
Back in the 1950s, it was common for men to start businesses in garages and
American corporations would buy from them. After World War 2, these open spaces
and garages were the foundation of innovation, where ideas could be tested and
perfected with minimal amount of investment. Some of these companies that
originated in small spaces would end up becoming leaders in their industries,
like Rotor Clip. Robert Slass was one of those lucky men who created something
out of this small work space. </div>
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If you analyze the story of Rotor Clip Company and Robert
Slass, it is one of innovation and vision. Robert understood that in order to
stay in business, he had to adjust to the times. In the 1980s and 1990s, there
were many movements in the automotive industry; Toyota, Honda and Nissan emerged
as leaders, overtaking Ford and GM, and companies like Samsung were producing
and selling more electronics than American brands like Magnavox. The world was
becoming more global and Bob knew that as an engineer, he had to demonstrate to
manufacturers why Rotor Clip’s retaining rings, instead of traditional
fasteners, could result in significant savings without sacrificing quality and
reliability. The response was very positive, as many automotive manufacturers
began to use retaining rings on several of their part components. Our company
has been at the forefront of this trend for several decades, and the product
and process improvements that were pioneered and implemented by Robert Slass
are still serving the global marketplace today. </div>
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Looking back at the 80s, Japan was emerging as an economic
powerhouse and an innovator of products and services. Japanese companies had a
strong advantage in selling everything from automobiles to consumer electronics
and these greatly threatened American companies. As all of this unfolded, Bob
Slass watched closely, as he was concerned by companies who had been in
business for several years in America suddenly sell out or go bankrupt. He knew
then that Rotor Clip had to adjust to the Japanese manufacturing process. In
1980, he bought a Computer Numeric Control (CNC) vertical machining center to
speed up production of die sets that held the tools to stamp retaining rings. With
the CNC machine, retaining rings were produced with high accuracy in a much
shorter time. Also, in 1987, he utilized Wire EDM machines, so that his
retaining rings could be produced at incredible accuracy. All of this was done
in an effort to compete with the Japanese market and Mr. Slass always had a
plan in the back of his mind. He managed to find ways to produce rings at a
much faster rate and also with immense precision and accuracy. Robert Slass
eventually began construction on the facility that is now the company
headquarters in Somerset, NJ. It still stands strong today; a testament to
Bob’s life’s work. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4jbbNBxCoWvslcfsE7NUzgw6LIffQc_vUBa3TvNIVJm5aA_TSyMPq4783tH5aC4tik8T3sfPv1tDBMiMmnBpUxrwyo7GORDM6HumkT_3sN2COOtxU3dMN-DawuFkclbsXj6PvGDoIyU/s1600/Bob+Craig+Joe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1600" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4jbbNBxCoWvslcfsE7NUzgw6LIffQc_vUBa3TvNIVJm5aA_TSyMPq4783tH5aC4tik8T3sfPv1tDBMiMmnBpUxrwyo7GORDM6HumkT_3sN2COOtxU3dMN-DawuFkclbsXj6PvGDoIyU/s320/Bob+Craig+Joe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For those who knew Mr. Slass, they wouldn’t have a bad thing
to say about him. He was a man with vision and passion for his work. He built
things with his bare hands, and was always there with his workers through it
all. He encouraged his employees to be innovative and ask questions and always
be involved in what he was doing. He resembled all the qualities of a great
leader; similar to the company he created. Rotor Clip stands today at 60 years
old, as one of the last great manufacturing leaders in the United States. Just
like manufacturing was at the forefront of the American economy during the
Industrial Revolution, Rotor Clip still stands based on that foundation and
hard work. I think we all owe a special thank you to Mr. Slass for a wonderful
60 years.</div>
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Justin Arbadji is a Marketing Assistant for Rotor Clip Company Inc. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-49310632491402864632017-10-13T06:16:00.002-07:002017-10-13T06:16:36.751-07:00Current Technologies transforming the Manufacturing Industry<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Manufacturing
was the leading job trend during the Industrial Revolution. Nearly 2/3 of the
labor force was employed in factories, with workers described as strictly “blue
collar.” This was the common perception; manufacturing being a strictly blue
collar industry, with workers grinding with their bare hands to get a job done.
Now, times are changing and recent developments in technologies promise
innovation and excitement. The implementation of advanced technologies has
brought change to an industry that defined us a hundred years ago. The new
trends in the industry bring increased speed, customization, precision and
efficiency to ensure goods are manufactured pristinely and of the best quality.
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">One
of these current technologies is 3d printing: the ability to design and create
virtually anything using metal, plastic, and even human tissue. This has
changed the way we build things and has brought many benefits; reduction of
design-to-production times, reduction of manufacturing lead times, individual
and small lot products from machine parts to prototypes are much easier to
produce and there is less waste, ensuring cost efficiency. 3d printing is still
a very new technology that will only get better in the coming years for
manufacturers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qhWkKNnCQi-FLqScm6Yj3rABAPSFHNDMzvUrOlRtaw8k9VnVK6hBBhjsdJ1S-thHw5q-k-jDPx_9dOfLs3rDg6vc6paX4P4sVOe_A1zR_4_aJNBqViFPCw1W0KdMgqxE4EOKwQ1g-hE/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="941" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qhWkKNnCQi-FLqScm6Yj3rABAPSFHNDMzvUrOlRtaw8k9VnVK6hBBhjsdJ1S-thHw5q-k-jDPx_9dOfLs3rDg6vc6paX4P4sVOe_A1zR_4_aJNBqViFPCw1W0KdMgqxE4EOKwQ1g-hE/s320/Capture.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Next,
the Internet of Things (IoT) has increased connectivity with machines and
humans, ensuring better communication, faster response times and greater
efficiency across the board. IoT enables data to be transmitted wirelessly,
assisting workers with maintenance cost, increased production and prevention of
mistakes.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Americans have desired interconnectivity,
since the early days of the Industrial Revolution and the internet of things
takes this objective to a whole new level with machines, sensors and humans
working closer together than ever before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Next
is nanotechnology, the manipulation of matter on atomic or molecular levels.
For manufacturing, this entails enhancing materials to make them last longer
and give them new properties. While this technology has mostly been used in
space engineering, it is on its way to providing greater solutions for
manufacturers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Cloud computing is another emerging technology in the manufacturing field that
will assist in improving connectivity across multiple plants. Companies are
able to share data across the globe, reducing on both cost and production times
and the shared data will help with quality and consistency between the plant
operation facilities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
fifth new technology is one of massive debate; the rise of robotics. There has
been much talk of implementing machines into the workforce to increase
productivity, but this has concerned workers because it would potentially
eliminate jobs. This doesn’t to appear to be the case, as robots are being used
to complement human workers and make their jobs easier. While many believe it
undermines the achievements of an individual, there is no denying robotics will
play a pivotal role going forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lastly,
augmented reality has a lot of potential in the manufacturing field; real time
instructions/guidance, real-time notifications, real time monitoring of worker
tasks, improved safety warnings, more effective training and quick data
retrieval. This is an emerging technology that will likely garner attention a
few years from now, but nevertheless, it is important for manufacturers to research
and potentially implement it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">One of these new technologies is currently being utilized by Rotor Clip Company
Inc. Rotor Clip offers 3d printing as a service to buyers. Engineers can now
take their design ideas and produce them in a matter of hours. Also, they can
design custom retaining rings for the customer so they can test for fit before
committing to full production.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Additionally, there is a visionary system called Keyence, a visionary
system used to determine the different dimensions of a ring. These new
technologies have positioned Rotor Clip at the top of the manufacturing
industry.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">It
is clear manufacturing is going in an exciting direction. With new emerging
technologies, production is likely to increase significantly and the industry
that was considered blue collar during the Industrial Revolution is now
transforming into an efficient, computerized medium. Humans now have greater
means to create materials and it won’t be long before we start seeing robots
and humans working together in factories. Until then, we can celebrate knowing
manufacturing continues to innovate and implement the best resources to ensure
successful delivery to the customer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Justin
Arbadji is a Marketing Assistant for Rotor Clip Company Inc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-36818766590664167492017-10-06T10:39:00.001-07:002017-10-06T11:42:59.694-07:00Are Robots replacing humans in the labor force?<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There was
a time when technology was limited and humans mostly did work with their bare
hands. Before the internet or computer, everything was done by hand and less by
machine. Man felt productive and accomplished; after all, it wasn’t until the
1900s that the Industrial Revolution changed how the United States
manufacturers goods and services. The automobile, the cotton gin and
electricity came along at a time when the country was finding its niche in the
labor market and there was an increased demand for workers. Fast forward 100
years later and there seems to be a tide turning again. This time, its robots
replacing humans in the labor force and whether or not the capabilities they
bring to emerging technologies will exceed that of a person?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There’s no
question this has been on everyone’s minds for years now. When we think of the
future, we envision flying cars and machines that are functioning and producing
more output than the average human. Some are excited, some are scared, but we
are all curious. It begs us to question: If humans are replaced, does that mean
there is no longer a need for us in the labor force? Will we become obsolete? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5pgxu_xXdrhQNd_QI4gTwhD2Qj42cuvDRGgSK69iFaHZ_DSORDEOtteqmp0QbNVw1MwxoN9Umf5gv7uMjevMW_aSte3Tit3kpH3it3t2bwiX6iAn5J1h8_2QYxLwSc8sYo4ziA2b9zQ/s1600/human+and+robot.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="553" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5pgxu_xXdrhQNd_QI4gTwhD2Qj42cuvDRGgSK69iFaHZ_DSORDEOtteqmp0QbNVw1MwxoN9Umf5gv7uMjevMW_aSte3Tit3kpH3it3t2bwiX6iAn5J1h8_2QYxLwSc8sYo4ziA2b9zQ/s320/human+and+robot.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The future
of the labor market may not be as job-crushing as research suggests, according
to a new report conducted by Pearson, Nesta and researchers at the University
of Oxford. The study concluded rather than machines controlling the workforce,
it will be more of a balance between humans and machines, working together. While
technology is changing the global economy and labor markets,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">humans still have
control over their own destiny.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In order
to preserve the integrity of the human spirit and production, society will have
to find ways to blend human and machine capabilities. One can argue we already
have because if you were to go a Quick Check or Wawa, you’ll find that
automation is used for placing food orders. This eliminates the need for more
workers and allows machines to do a standard person’s job. While this is a
small example, it is this automation that has many humans curious on their
working future. With technology able to perform various tasks a human can do,
an employer’s mentality believes they can save money by hiring fewer workers
and just have a machine do the job. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There was
a previous study conducted by Oxford researchers in 2013 that formulated 47% of
United States jobs being at risk of being automated over the course of the next
two decades. Researchers also found that 70 % of workers in the U.S. and the
U.K. are employed in occupations riddled with future employment uncertainty and
that jobs could be at risk if workers aren't proactive about keeping up with
their skills (theguardian.com). Honing your skills properly in order to be employed
will become a necessity for workers, but it won’t eliminate much of the already
existing labor force. Like today’s economy, there will be a balance between
machine and man, as long as humans can learn the full capabilities of the
technology they are working with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Technology
has provided efficiency in the workforce and in life, creating simplistic ways
to gain access to information (cellphone, internet, etc…) and while this is
very positive, there is one negative thought that has hit the heart of every
person; machine outdoing humans. As people, we take pride in our work and it
defines who we are. The evolution of the human race has been a fascinating
journey over thousands of years that has ultimately led to life shattering
inventions and production. Now, the development of machines and their increased
sophistication threaten to take human jobs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If robots
eventually replace humans in most of the workforce, then where does that leave
us? The best answer is to find a balance and remember how we got this far. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Look no further
than Rotor Clip Company. Founder Robert Slass envisioned something great; a
giant manufacturing facility capable of growing on a global scale. To think his
vision began in 1957 and 60 years later, the company is still standing and
recognized as the global leader in the manufacture of </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Tapered Section Retaining Rings, Constant Section
Retaining Rings, Spiral Retaining Rings, Wave Springs, and Self-Compensating
Hose Clamps, is a testament to the hard work and integrity displayed by the
staff. With little technology at his disposal, Slass created a company out of a
small warehouse building and it grew to become what it is today. He embodied
the human spirit and the will to succeed and he took pride in his work. <i>He</i> created his vision with <i>his</i> own mind
and bare hands, not a machine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The human
mind is capable of something that current day robots are unable to do; creativity. It is this creative nature and thought that fuels production and keeps
humans at the forefront of the labor force. Going forward, technology will
continue to assist our production and provide easier means to accomplish tasks.
It is up to us to continue to innovate, think smart and stay ahead of the game,
just like Robert Slass did back in 1957. Combining human thought with the
efficiency of a robot can produce wonders and also save the human race from
serious drought in work. As long as we continue to accomplish great feats,
humans aren’t going away from the labor force anytime soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Justin Arbadji is a Marketing Assistant for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company </a></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-41019679327639834112017-09-25T06:34:00.003-07:002017-09-25T06:41:22.701-07:00Celebrating 60 Years <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">There was a time when
manufacturing was at the forefront of the economy. Nearly 2/3 of the American
workforce used to work in factories and had long standing jobs that defined the
meaning of hard work and industrialization. Before China and Japan emerged as
valued competitors, the United States was leading the charge. In the early
1900s, the Industrial Revolution was underway. By the 1930s, automobiles could
be seen in the streets, with Henry Ford helping build a new line of American
made cars. Today, the world has changed with technology and internet emerging
fast and IT jobs increasing in demand, while the industry that was once the
building block of innovation has declined, as less emphasis has been put on manufacturing, the chain that started change in America. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A majority of us have
seemed to forgotten the value that was once manufacturing. A lot of companies
these days are merged together and few long standing American made brands are left.
Luckily, one company has emerged </span>among<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> the chaos and has stayed true to the
core values and hard work that defined the building blocks of their matter;
Rotor Clip Company is celebrating its 60</span></span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Anniversary this year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">60 years, 6 decades: a
long standing tenure of excellence. Rotor Clip opened its doors in 1957, when
the company was founded by Robert Slass in Farmingdale, NY in a 2000 square
foot building. There wasn’t much available to Slass and his staff at the time, but
he had a vision to spread innovation through his product line and become a
trusted member of the manufacturing industry. His plan worked as the company
moved to the Bronx, NY in the early 1960s and then relocated to its current
estate in Somerset, NJ in 1972. Since then, his sons Jonathan and Craig Slass
have affirmed the daily operations of the company.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Today, Rotor Clip
Company is regarded as the global leader in the manufacture of</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Tapered Section Retaining Rings,
Constant Section Retaining Rings, Spiral Retaining Rings, Wave Springs, and
Self-Compensating Hose Clamps. All of this is achieved in a 238,000 square foot
facility in Somerset, NJ with operations also in The UK, Germany, The Czech
Republic and Shanghai, China-providing worldwide services to its customers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rotor Clips products support and
serve many industries including Automotive, Aerospace, Wind Power and the
Military. If you were to look at the parts of a car, you would see that Rotor
Clips products serve a function for nearly every component of the automobile.
The graph below demonstrates this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">For fifty years, Rotor Clip has supported the automotive
industry and our team of dedicated engineers work in unison with automotive
experts to develop the most cost-effective and functional components for their
applications. From the mirrors to the brakes, Rotor Clip’s commitment to
quality keeps the automotive industry safe and rolling along. This is a prime
example of how Rotor Clip Company provides innovation and trust to the
industries they serve.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
company has been recognized for its value, receiving numerous quality awards
from major OEMs, automotive manufacturers, and distributors. Rotor Clip is
certified to ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949, AS 9100 and ISO 14001.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rotor
Clip offers quality products and value-added services and solutions to support
the marketplace before and after the sale. Technical assistance, product
training, cost-reduction programs, design assistance, along with competitive
pricing and JIT delivery make Rotor Clip a well trusted and respected
manufacturer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">We
all have to start somewhere and lucky for Robert Slass, he embodied a vision
that has carried over to this day. This month of September marks the 60<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of Rotor Clip, a testament to its product line and commitment to
innovation. His sons Jonathan and Craig continue the legacy of value and
prominence that started the company all those years ago. Cheers to Rotor Clip
and its perseverance for being a leader in Manufacturing. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Justin Arbadji is a Marketing Assistant for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company</a>. </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-85998388318314254412017-09-17T16:08:00.000-07:002017-09-17T16:08:16.217-07:00Charging Stations and the Perseverance of Modern Technology<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Will
we ever live in a world where charging stations can be found every mile or two
down the road? The changing landscape of the automotive industry has proven
that through innovation, there is no need to be set in our ways. In other
words, for those who have made the statement of never switching from their gas
or diesel vehicles to electric should highly reconsider. Charging stations are
not only taking the nation, but also the world by storm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0c/First_Model_3_production_cars_ready_for_delivery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="800" height="209" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0c/First_Model_3_production_cars_ready_for_delivery.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tesla Supercharger Stations </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">According
to The People's Daily, “A total of 167,000 charging piles have now been
connected to the telematics platform of the State Grid Corporation of China
(SGCC), making it the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network.”
This is significant for China as their land mass consists of 9.6 million square
kilometers. As for the United States, our footprint of charging stations is
fairly small with only 945 Tesla supercharger stations. This is due to the
current Tesla sales of only 100,000 vehicles per year. However, with Tesla’s
introduction of the new Model 3, which is an affordable model intended for the
mass audience, we can expect a large influx of electric vehicles filling our
streets here in the United States.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Therefore,
this answers our original question. Through innovation we can expect this
reality of charging stations to be installed in every street corner as the
developing technology and affordability of fully integrated electric vehicles
becomes prevalent in our modern society. We need to give the public a reason to
consume these electric vehicles. Without the incentive of having the ability to
charge your vehicle in a plethora of locations, this evolution in mobility will
lack significant growth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzhopeoE59rwwKu9WhbynOiZnvJOW_OjwISjH4oURVCJHGI7Trh1hZzBfMP1nlWJ2WBkD7nqzCFwpbEy6ybirSDDQd9ViUJyUNtKfnSok0WgAKOR6j0VWID37wWFqUxXyBKrC-9MvRes/s1600/Robert-Slas-Rotor-Clip2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzhopeoE59rwwKu9WhbynOiZnvJOW_OjwISjH4oURVCJHGI7Trh1hZzBfMP1nlWJ2WBkD7nqzCFwpbEy6ybirSDDQd9ViUJyUNtKfnSok0WgAKOR6j0VWID37wWFqUxXyBKrC-9MvRes/s1600/Robert-Slas-Rotor-Clip2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Founder, Robert Slass</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
recall in my early years at Rotor Clip Company, when the late founder Robert
Slass brought the first Toyota Prius hybrid model to work in 2003. I vividly
remember bursting into laughter questioning his sons, now the current co-owners
Craig and Jonathan Slass, “what is your father driving?” The car even had a
bumper sticker that said “Eat My Voltage.” Of course as an engineer, this was
no laughing matter to Mr. Slass as he took pride in new technologies that could
eventually sweep the nation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now,
fourteen years later, Co-owner Craig Slass brought up our foolishness of not
realizing what his father was trying to tell us back then. Robert made a
statement to his employees and sons that we must keep our eyes on the future of
automotive innovation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
2003, it didn't necessarily seem like a reality that we would inhabit a world
of vehicles run solely on the electric grid. However, technology, especially in
the automotive industry, has proven to further exponential growth decade after
decade. As a result, this represents the reason why Tesla is such a successful
modern automotive brand. Instead of closing off the market, Elon Musk opened
the doors to competition, which not only elevates the Tesla brand, but also
helps facilitate a major growth for electric vehicles. Overall, automotive suppliers
should not be afraid of the changing landscape of this evolving industry, but
rather learn how to adapt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
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<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Robert
Slass taught us a very valuable lesson and that is to always appreciate a
developing technology, as it can eventually have a major role in our future
society. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.52400016784668px; line-height: 14pt;">
Evan Slass is a Digital Marketing Communications Specialist for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" style="color: #993322; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-61136494441907434812017-09-07T07:41:00.000-07:002017-09-07T07:41:19.983-07:00United States to Surpass China as No. 1 Country for Manufacturing by 2020<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As the
competitiveness of American industry rises, so too does ranking amongst the
world’s leading manufactures. Fortune.com notes that as of 2017, the United
States is the second most competitive manufacturing economy after China. Global
manufacturing executives predict that by 2020, The United States will surpass
China as the leading manufacturer in the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
has been a drastic rise in competition in the United States and much of that
can be attributed to cheap labor being a thing of the past. It used to be a
vital point for manufactures, especially in China during the 1990s, where they
encouraged cheap labor and required less environmental regulations. Today, technology
has drastically reduced the need for additional workers and the keys to success
are dependent on advanced technologies, the availability of materials and whether
or not intellectual property protections are strong. The United States is ahead
of the curb in these 3 categories. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHnFVMYbxyVorLy5PeTUgR2SAK12HtyH8shv60xLNNfzQWVF6rluSjN2sSS1w1n_Psj0twUcMLgkaV_GY3glqkcuvH7VcFUKgVO3oyztl9ah6rXl1gGxB0yPiM-LvHQpqQc-t8cVlFbk/s1600/chart.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="829" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHnFVMYbxyVorLy5PeTUgR2SAK12HtyH8shv60xLNNfzQWVF6rluSjN2sSS1w1n_Psj0twUcMLgkaV_GY3glqkcuvH7VcFUKgVO3oyztl9ah6rXl1gGxB0yPiM-LvHQpqQc-t8cVlFbk/s400/chart.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Future Forecast of Manufacturing until 2020</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is
extremely beneficial that manufacturing firms believe the United States is a
great place to do business, but there is misguidance when it comes to success
having the same impact it did nearly half a century ago. Wages for most workers
has been stagnant for a generation and those without college degrees are being
granted less opportunity.</span><span style="color: #202020; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
decline of manufacturing employment should not be considered a political
failure, but rather a natural economic process that many industries have gone
through in the past. As technology sectors become more sophisticated, it
requires fewer workers to get the job done. There may be fewer workers, but it
is a good sign manufacturing executives want to do business in America. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">To the
common citizen, they assume most products aren’t made in the United States
anymore, but rather in China, Mexico and Vietnam to name a few and that the
only jobs available or even left in America, are in hospitality and the food
industry. While it is true the number of jobs in the manufacturing sector has
declined, it doesn’t mean that the United States has become deindustrialized.
It just means the number of jobs available have declined because efficiency in
technology has required less workers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There are
many things that come off as surprising, one of them being that manufacturing
is the largest and most dynamic sector of the United States economy. The
industry is highly connected to other sectors, such as retail, mining, and
transportation and also accounts for nearly 80% of what the private sector
spends on research and development each year. Manufacturing provides innovation
that keeps other businesses going. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9pDOhrtZwPLyGx6qzwyVPY0db7WQhgJBpkLMR3DTZ8GKUhx3hAPGjO2PIJcU4oYTAyvRG15W5GFh0WBLQTycr4SzrGxXaF_HfGOgdfWq-ZCR_ZWxn6OhxxLL9qyk5R1clP6aX2365BI/s1600/future.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="929" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9pDOhrtZwPLyGx6qzwyVPY0db7WQhgJBpkLMR3DTZ8GKUhx3hAPGjO2PIJcU4oYTAyvRG15W5GFh0WBLQTycr4SzrGxXaF_HfGOgdfWq-ZCR_ZWxn6OhxxLL9qyk5R1clP6aX2365BI/s400/future.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #202020; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
proof is required that manufacturing is still a viable and healthy industry in
America, look no further than Rotor Clip Company Inc., the global leader in the
manufacturing of Tapered Section Retaining Rings, Constant section retaining rings, Spiral Retaining Rings, Wave Springs and Self-compensating Hose Clamps. It is a family owned
business that has been around since 1957, a testament to their importance
among manufacturers. Rotor Clip serves a handful of industries, such as </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Industrial, Aerospace
and Transportation, On/Offshore, Automotive, Commercial Aerospace,
Topside/Onshore, Construction and Farm, Space and Defense, Subsea/Seabed,
Recreational Vehicles, Railway and Heavy Industry and Down Hole/In Well. It is
an example of how manufacturing serves every other industry in America and
should be taken more seriously amongst the public. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Another
surprising fact is manufacturing output is near a record high. In today’s
economy, US factory workers produce twice as much as they did in 1984, but with a third fewer workers. Though there is still a high demand for foreign-made goods,
it is believed it will take another 3 years of growth to surpass China. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
important thing to remember is American manufacturing is alive and well and
technology has never been as advanced or efficient for the common worker. The
only downside is the loss of well-paid jobs hurting the working class. The rise
of low-skilled manufacturing in China and other developing nations equates to
fewer Americans working in factories. A large percentage of American workers
are in the service/producing industries, where inequalities in opportunities,
skills and incomes are more apparent. Rebuilding the manufacturing economy to
what it once was is not an easy task, but if it’s any indication, by 2020, the
United States will be the leading manufacturer in the world and will harness
the latest technologies to rebuild the industry, gain workers and begin to earn
much more equitable profits. </span><span style="color: #202020; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Justin Arbadji is a Marketing Assistant for Rotor Clip
Company <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 20.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“For us
it’s always about innovation,” says Stryker CEO Kevin Lobo. In a recent </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2017/07/28/stryker-ceo-for-us-its-always-about-innovation-in-medical-technology.html"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">CNBC interview</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">, Mr. Lobo begins by revealing Stryker’s growth in the
market against their competitors, growing north of five percent for the last
seventeen quarters. This is especially the case for their knee replacement
technology, in which Stryker is using robotic assistance in their operating
rooms in order to obtain a more precise placement of the implant. As a result,
the patient will come out of a surgery with less soft tissue damage, giving
them a faster and less painful recovery process. This major breakthrough in the
Medtech industry reveals a promising future for society, as companies such as
Stryker are raising the standard for surgical procedures and equipment.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.burnsidehospital.asn.au/uploads/latest/Stryker_MAKO_Orthopaedic_Robot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://www.burnsidehospital.asn.au/uploads/latest/Stryker_MAKO_Orthopaedic_Robot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stryker's Mako Robot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 14.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 20.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
Mr. Lobo explained that training is a significant challenge while introducing
robotic assistance, as it requires a complete change in behavior among
surgeons. The modified procedures entail a new stance in the operating room,
along with changing the implant itself. Instead of traditional knee
replacements that follow an oval motion, Stryker’s implants are designed to
have a natural circular motion. For example, a significant feature of Stryker’s
</span><span class="Hyperlink0"><a href="http://www.stryker.com/en-us/products/Orthopaedics/KneeReplacement/Primary/Triathlon/index.htm"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Triathlon Total Knee </span></a></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">is their </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><a href="http://www.stryker.com/en-us/products/Orthopaedics/KneeReplacement/Primary/Triathlon/038941"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">patent pending anatomic radius</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">, which improves the motion of the knee. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 14.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 20.0pt;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Stryker
sponsor, Fred Funk, is a prime example of a knee replacement success story. At
fifty-four years of age, the professional golfer desperately needed a knee
replacement. After his surgical procedure in 2009, he not only returned to
golf, but won in the PGA Tour Champions league. Fred Funk’s success stems from
both his dedication to return to the game, but most importantly a less invasive
surgery, which allowed him to recover quickly enough to return to his normal
life.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3065/2925989042_1456f8cb9d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3065/2925989042_1456f8cb9d_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fred Funk, Professional Golfer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 20.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Meanwhile,
about fifteen years ago Gloria Slass, the wife of the late Founder of Rotor
Clip Company Robert Slass, was in dire need of a knee replacement . Due to many
tennis injuries accumulated over the years, Ms. Slass underwent an excruciating
knee replacement surgery in the early 2000s. During her recovery process, she
developed arthritis in the knee due to soft tissue damage. Unfortunately, after
recovering Ms. Slass had to give up her lifelong passion for tennis due to the
severe pain. The lack in medical robotic assistance at this time was the result
of a more invasive surgery. Based on the two anecdotes, the evolution in the
medtech industry represents a bright future ahead for healthcare, as it is
ensures a better tomorrow for patients.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 14.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 20.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Beyond
orthopaedics, another innovative field that Stryker is taking by storm is
neurotechnologies. Mr. Lobo explains how their technology can treat two types
of strokes that can occur. For instance, in the result of a Hemorrhagic stroke,
titanium coils are packed in the aneurism in order to allow blood flow. As for
an </span><span class="None"><span lang="NL" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ischemic stroke, </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the
procedure would entail the removal of clots from the brain using a stent. Therefore,
with the ability to treat an often debilitating condition that results from a
stroke, Stryker takes great pride in their advancement in neurotechnologies.
Generally, the victim of a stroke is left impaired, which costs the healthcare
system a significant amount of money.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 14.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 20.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">That
said, although Stryker is not necessarily concerned with how the healthcare
system evolves, they are still working to reform it through innovation, as a
means of cutting costs for it. Towards the end of the interview, Mr. Lobo
stresses the importance of permanently repealing the medical device tax, which
has previously been suspended in the past. In conclusion, as an OEM supplier,
we here at Rotor Clip fully support and are proud of our fellow American
manufacturers for making the world a better place through innovation. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 14.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 14.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 14.0pt;">
Evan Slass is a Digital Marketing
Communications Specialist for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-21959489295404363072017-08-22T06:38:00.000-07:002017-08-22T06:38:10.777-07:00Equipment Manufacturers; Bright Spot In Darkening Market <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4hCxFpnrddIS0I4aStxC04CveCew1goI3jejA5rpAZrq144FN5A-VSnKWWMCaRC3dUxxagQxVHZjgpC-t8FXyFclLL1gJ6AmmkH3LdPB2ZTsgRbqJpl-_erXVn6HsxamDvz1J-vTmHw/s1600/TwinDragConveyorBlog.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4hCxFpnrddIS0I4aStxC04CveCew1goI3jejA5rpAZrq144FN5A-VSnKWWMCaRC3dUxxagQxVHZjgpC-t8FXyFclLL1gJ6AmmkH3LdPB2ZTsgRbqJpl-_erXVn6HsxamDvz1J-vTmHw/s1600/TwinDragConveyorBlog.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BE&E's Twin Drag Conveyor is built for biomass processing</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the rise of renewable energy quickly overtaking fossil fuels in cost, labor force, and investment, the US manufacturing landscape is going through a period of uncertainty as it redefines itself. On one hand, new sources of energy are shirking off old limitations of supply chains, attracting more and more investment and incentive. On the other, however, the models being discarded also serve as the lifeblood of communities all over America, of every kind, and cannot be replaced so easily without detrimental impact on them.<br />
<br />
Where does manufacturing fit into this? The US has a multi-faceted quilt of industries embedded with each other, responsible for so much of world demands. Yet, according to many projections, some may be obsolete by the 2030's. In looking at what industries can survive the oncoming changes brought on by renewable energy, one of the most promising fields is equipment manufacturing.<br />
<br />
Many companies are already seeing equipment manufacturing as a sector for the US to assert itself into an increasingly accelerating international renewables market it is in danger of lagging behind. One such example is <a href="http://www.biomassengineeringequipment.com/" target="_blank">Biomass Equipment & Engineering</a>, a division of <a href="https://www.veneerservices.com/" target="_blank">Veneer Services</a>. Based in Indianapolis, Veneer Services specializes in manufacturing timber products, but its sub-division BE&E converts equipment products suited for a rapidly ascending biomass industry. Offering products such as chip screens to enable sorting for cyclical models, or twin drag conveyors that are designed for future additions and adaptations, Veneer's BE&E serves as evidence equipment manufacturers are already taking advantage of their flexibility in the renewable market. <br />
<br />
In his <a href="http://newsok.com/article/5557079" target="_blank">op-ed</a> in <i>The Oklahoman</i>, <a href="http://www.terex.com/en/index.htm" target="_blank">Terex Corporation's</a> CEO John Garrison emphasized his Oklahoma City-based company of 34,000's commitment to making machinery suitable to new global markets<span style="background-color: white;">.<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><br /><br />"Equipment manufacturers build products big and small", Garrison says, "but what distinguishes our industry is how the men and women in Oklahoma make the equipment that helps improve the lives of people around the world.:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
"Our American workers continue to produce world-class products, and they deserve the chance to sell these products in every corner of the globe. That means strengthening trade agreements to grant manufacturers access to international markets; we cannot afford to simply walk away from agreements that form the cornerstone of the international economy. It also means we must continue to strengthen our training and technical education programs to ensure our workforce continues to develop to meet the future needs of manufacturers." </blockquote>
<br />
Indeed, equipment manufacturing may prove to be the most crucial card the US can play in the global market. Adaptability is proving to be a value for companies in these turbulent times. Equipment manufacturers like Terex can use this distinct advantage better than other industries. While renewable energy is dissimilar in many ways from oil and gas, issues of operations, labor safety, and development, are universal for both. Converting many products and plants to serve the next energy landscape is possible. What is more, with its unique and spanning playing field, it is more doable in the US than anywhere else.<br />
<br />
<i>Donal Thoms-Cappello is a freelance writer for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company</a>.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-27421869920966457142017-08-01T11:00:00.000-07:002017-08-01T11:00:00.781-07:00The Jetsons: A Modern Reality?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmRS1-e9YN7Atzm5cIpW_UWfOxbc-RSOh_N3KnTYbLfUiWF2xI2HLYxEq7nsyWMsY3vinNsym4d8hfAFebX0MHxSJ-DMddjneR6eiOD_RVv3ktaO0zHVRADgaqSNskkzNo3pbe6tDFWU/s1600/Jetsons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmRS1-e9YN7Atzm5cIpW_UWfOxbc-RSOh_N3KnTYbLfUiWF2xI2HLYxEq7nsyWMsY3vinNsym4d8hfAFebX0MHxSJ-DMddjneR6eiOD_RVv3ktaO0zHVRADgaqSNskkzNo3pbe6tDFWU/s320/Jetsons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 137%;">
<span lang="EN">When it comes to
changing trends and technologies in society, we are often faced with this
question of what the future holds. This is certainly the case for the
automotive industry, as many people tend to fantasize or poke fun at how we are
getting closer to entering the reality of the 1960s television show, <i>The Jetsons</i>. This animated series
alluded to the idea that the future of mobility would entail flying vehicles
and human-like robots. Although we are not quite at the point of levitating
vehicles, the automotive industry has proven decade after decade that it is
indeed a continuously innovating sector in the market.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 137%;">
<span lang="EN">With the exception of
other automotive companies that have previously released hybrids, the Toyota
Prius made headlines in 2000 as the first four-door hybrid sedan in the United
States. This was a significant moment in the automotive industry as it created
a major conversation among consumers and of course within the industry itself
as to how prevalent these sustainable vehicles would become. As a result, the
introduction of hybrid vehicles shed light on the alternative sources of power
for operating a vehicle. Now, seventeen years later, companies such as Tesla
have continued on this trend set by Toyota with the emergence of their fully
integrated electric vehicles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 137%;">
<span lang="EN">As the US market
continues to prevail through the transforming evolution of automotive
technologies, it is appropriate to reflect on what the future of driving may
hold at last. Scott Corwin, a managing director with<a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;"> </span></a><a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en.html"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Deloitte
Consulting LLP</span></a>, has great insight on this transformation, as he
leads the Future of Mobility initiative. In his in-depth article,<a href="https://dupress.deloitte.com/dup-us-en/focus/future-of-mobility/transportation-technology.html"><span style="color: #1155cc;"> The Future of Mobility: How transportation technology
and social trends are creating a new business ecosystem</span></a>, Corwin
highlights five converging forces of automotive transportation and mobility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 137%;">
<span lang="EN">These converging
forces include; maturing powertrain technologies, lightweight materials, rapid
advances in connected vehicles, shifts in mobility preferences, and the
emergence of autonomous vehicles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN">Maturing Powertrain Technologies</span></b><span lang="EN">.
The emergence of battery operated vehicles will tremendously help to lower
emissions by eliminating the use of gas, while offering higher energy
efficiency. It’s important to note that the consumer will generally have a high
value on the vehicle’s energy efficiency above many other factors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 137%;">
<b><span lang="EN">Lightweight Materials</span></b><span lang="EN">. Advances
in chemistry and physics, have proven the ability to eliminate a significant
amount of weight for vehicles. For example, Corwin pointed out that the Ford
F-150 truck eliminated six hundred pounds by using aluminum rather than steel,
while still ensuring safety for drivers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN">Rapid Advances in Connected Vehicles</span></b><span lang="EN">. With a plethora of cars on the roads nowadays, safety for drivers is
a main concern, especially during extreme weather conditions. Fortunately, the advances
in connectivity among vehicles help detect other cars, as well as
infrastructure. These are known as vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) and
vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN">Shifts in Mobility Preferences</span></b><span lang="EN">.
The rise of smartphone applications, such as Lyft and Uber have changed the
mobility preferences among Millennials. As a result, this generation doesn’t
value owning vehicles, as they have acquired a pay-per-use mentality. For
example, “nearly 50% of Gen Y consumers like using a smartphone app for
transport.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN">Emergence of Autonomous Vehicles</span></b><span lang="EN">.
What once seemed to be a technology of the future, self-driving vehicles have
now become a reality. Although they are not exactly on a mass-scale production,
there are areas where this technology has tremendously improved the driving
experience. Generally one of the most significant challenges for drivers
is parallel parking. For example, the
BMW i3 has a parking assist option where the car will autonomously park on its
own. However, for fully autonomous vehicles, Corwin explained how long-haul
trucks could help send and receive products faster by eliminating the driver.
This is the result of cutting out mandatory rest stops, thus making the
delivery or pickup more time efficient. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">NOTE: Rotor Clip will
soon be launching Clip Chat, a podcast series that will cover the changing
landscape of the manufacturing industry, hosted by Co-owner Craig Slass. Our
podcast premier will cover the future of mobility, as discussed above. Check
out our Facebook and Twitter page for more details. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 137%;">
<span lang="EN"> <i>Evan
Slass is a Digital Marketing Communications Specialist for</i><a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/"><i><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;"> </span></i></a><a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/"><i><span style="color: #cc3300;">Rotor Clip Company</span></i></a><i>.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-6001077703280011552017-07-07T10:05:00.000-07:002017-07-07T10:05:12.335-07:00Endolite’s Linx Prosthetic Limb Takes Home Best in Show Award <div class="MsoNormal">
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For those who are born without, or lose a natural limb
understand the obstacles and challenges that are ahead in their daily lives. In
the wise words of Charles Darwin, all living organisms, including humans face
the scientific evolutionary fact of ‘survival of the fittest.’ That said, as
humans are the most advanced life-forms on Earth, we have adapted not only
through a biological evolution, but also through technological advancements. In
other words, the ability to manufacture and continuously innovate high-end
prosthetics is evidence that we are an adaptive race that combines technology
with our biological needs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blatchford.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jack-Eyers-on-linx-thinker-LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.blatchford.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jack-Eyers-on-linx-thinker-LR.jpg" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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On June 13, Endolite’s<a href="http://linx.endolite.com/"><span style="color: #1155cc;"> Linx</span></a> system, a lower limb prosthetic
technology, received the highest honors at the 2017 <a href="http://mdeawards.mddionline.com/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Medical
Design Excellence Awards</span></a> in New York. Not only did Endolite receive
the Gold Medal Award in Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Products
category, but they were also named out of forty-five finalists, the Best in
Show Award. The medtech industry award show was based on the following criteria: Design and Engineering
Innovations, Functional (User-Related) Innovations, Benefits to Overall
Healthcare, Benefits to Patients and Market Differentiation. By fulfilling each
of the judged criteria, Endolite, a US branch of the Blatchford Group, shed
light on their 125 year devotion to the designing and manufacturing of cutting
edge prosthetics. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In light of their most recent accomplishment, Linx is the
first fully integrated, microprocessor-controlled lower limb system, helping
above-knee amputees. According to Endolite, <a href="http://www.endolite.com/press-releases/endolite-linx-scoops-best-overall-winner-at-medical-design-excellence-awards"><span style="color: #1155cc;">the Linx ankle talks to the knee at a rate of 400
messages per second</span></a>, which gives lower limb amputees the ability to
live a more active and independent lifestyle. This particular prosthetic limb
functions by combining four microprocessors and seven situational awareness
sensors, as a means of collecting data on the individual user’s day to day
activity and their terrain. As a result, all of the data collected is used to
help the prosthetic limb adapt in order to mimic a human limb tailored to that
particular patient. This means that over the course of a day, the Linx system
will adjust over 2000 times in order to adapt to both the anatomical body
structure, as well as the surrounding environment.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.spsco.com/media/catalog/product/e/n/endolite_linx_group_1_1_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.spsco.com/media/catalog/product/e/n/endolite_linx_group_1_1_.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Endolite’s success stems from the acknowledgement that
quality prosthetics are vital for long term musculoskeletal health. Therefore,
after being awarded with the highest honors as a top of the line medtech
company, it is apparent that they value constant innovation through their
engineering front. By developing high end devices that mimic the response time
to a human limb, Endolite strives to give amputees the ability to walk or run,
while also eliminating pain. Other prosthetic devices tend to create discomfort
and pain to the patient, considering they do not easily adapt to the individual
user or their surrounding environments. For example, sixty one percent of lower
limb amputees often experience chronic back pain after 2 years of the
amputation. As a result, this puts stress on the rest of the body as it can
lead to both osteoarthritis in the knee and/or hip, as well as increased energy
expenditure on the heart. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Overall Endolite, is revolutionizing the prosthetic industry
one bionic step at a time. <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Joe%20Cappello" datetime="2017-07-07T10:53"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></div>
<br />
<i>Evan Slass is a Digital
Marketing Communications Specialist for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company</a>.</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-4771258352278360212017-06-28T08:38:00.001-07:002017-06-28T08:38:47.870-07:00Winning Engineering Students Look Forward to Careers in ManufacturingOur 2nd annual <a href="https://www.fastenernewsdesk.com/17295/rotor-clip-winners-2017-ring-a-majig-contest/" target="_blank">Ring-A-Majig</a> contest ended with a team of four engineering students from <a href="https://www.ecu.edu/" target="_blank">East Carolina University</a> taking the top prize. Their winning entry, <a href="https://www.rotorclip.com/newsletter0517.php" target="_blank">a model railroad hand cart</a>, featured a design that incorporated several <a href="https://www.rotorclip.com/ring_overview.php" target="_blank">retaining rings</a> as the fastening method, as well as a <a href="https://www.rotorclip.com/wave_spring_advantage1.php" target="_blank">wave spring </a>used to activate the braking system.<br /><br />Members of the winning team included Erik Panarusky, Sam Poindexter, John Rayner and Zachery Rogers. Professor Ranjeet Agarawala served as the team’s advisor. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ193f97B1DNlZNf1TTUrA67tODBHOfy6msPCmxLHFV7nsJ2RWHGXW6Iqm3UWiYtsEiPbvbcD6Bus_WcxtAjwxRHnk2dG5qSz_tUgkA4AOeAeHHJqttxEWoFggcSbpqaMmVPfp2xgD8yk/s1600/DCTjjtBUMAENFHR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ193f97B1DNlZNf1TTUrA67tODBHOfy6msPCmxLHFV7nsJ2RWHGXW6Iqm3UWiYtsEiPbvbcD6Bus_WcxtAjwxRHnk2dG5qSz_tUgkA4AOeAeHHJqttxEWoFggcSbpqaMmVPfp2xgD8yk/s320/DCTjjtBUMAENFHR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Winning Design: Model railroad cart is held together by <span id="goog_306244641"></span>retaining<br />rings<span id="goog_306244642"></span> and features a wave spring as part of the braking system.</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In addition to a cash award, the students received an all-expense paid trip to Rotor Clip to tour our manufacturing facility and to attend the <i>Atlantic Design and Manufacturing Show </i>in New York, where they exhibited their winning design.<br /><br />The pulse of manufacturing is quickening and our winning students are part of the excitement that has been building around manufacturing as a career. They look forward to working in companies that utilize the latest technology and practices to produce tomorrow’s breakthrough products. <br /><br />“Manufacturing plays such a vital role in the world today, and having knowledge and training of up to date processes, automation, seems to be extremely important,” noted Eric Panarusky. John Rayner characterized manufacturing as a “viable career option for a young person.”<br /><br />“With the advances in manufacturing technologies, 3D printing and robotics specifically,” he continued, “now is as good a time as any for a young person to be getting into manufacturing.”<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
The students also weighed in on their tour of Rotor Clip, which was for most the first time they had ever been in a manufacturing facility. Zachery Rogers was impressed with the smooth process flow of the factory “…from prepping raw materials to be stamped or coiled with machines, to the packaging of the clips using the plastic wraps (<a href="https://www.rotorclip.com/mat_fin_pack_tc.php#packaging" target="_blank">shrink wrap</a>), or the wires (<a href="https://www.rotorclip.com/mat_fin_pack_tc.php#packaging" target="_blank">Rings On Wire</a>).”<br /><br />Eric Panarusky noted the advantage to actually seeing a factory in action versus learning about it in a classroom. <br /><br />“It can be hard to grasp the scale and interactivity of design and manufacturing until you see it in person,” he said. “I felt the tour was most beneficial in the way of showing how each individual person and machine played a vital role in the entire operation.”<br /><br />“Seeing this company producing as much product as they’re producing in house was awesome,” added Sam Poindexter. “Looking into the process of how everything is done at the company really gets me interested.”<br /><br />The trade show was also a first for our students and they were happy to take part in it. <br /><br />“The trade show was a fantastic opportunity to see current and future advances in manufacturing technologies,” said John Rayner. “Some of the things companies are working on are simply amazing and young people are at the forefront.”<br /><br />Eric Panarusky was impressed by the diverse companies at the show and the range of products they exhibited.<br /><br /><div>
“It made the workforce I'm hopefully about to enter seem less daunting,” he said, “especially because it made the job market and specific areas of work appear very, very, broad.”<br /><br />The experience gave Zachery Rogers a basic understanding of what companies are looking for and how they showcase their services. “(It) has helped me understand how companies interact with one another,” he concluded.<br /><br />We have been heartened and encouraged by the response to our contest, both by the quality of the work submitted and by the promise it holds for the future of manufacturing in our country. We wish our winners luck in their job endeavors and look forward to seeing what creative designs students submit for our 2018 contest.<br /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Joe Cappello is Director of Global
Marketing for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><br /></span></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-76031712027668070492017-04-13T10:11:00.000-07:002017-04-13T10:44:40.289-07:00Spray On Memory-An Aerosol Can Filled With Ones & Zeros<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwdKEuudpYUxRV6TWsh3qLWo-ESfISSqsFEE-LSQQsScd3boCFFCCa-4IrNpPxj_hrlu289JK5e1b3lr9ZgpUEFiyP6FgQ0uF3TEd05gRKOXxhCqoLidDtLBXB66_lCFd7rRib3do5JU/s1600/1s+and+0s+spray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwdKEuudpYUxRV6TWsh3qLWo-ESfISSqsFEE-LSQQsScd3boCFFCCa-4IrNpPxj_hrlu289JK5e1b3lr9ZgpUEFiyP6FgQ0uF3TEd05gRKOXxhCqoLidDtLBXB66_lCFd7rRib3do5JU/s400/1s+and+0s+spray.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Researchers at <a href="https://today.duke.edu/2017/04/spray-memory-could-enable-bendable-digital-storage">Duke
University</a> created a new “spray on” digital memory device. Although far
from being used commercially, the proven concept shows the potential this
amazing break through in technology may have on our future. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The “spray” is made of silica-coated copper nanowires encased
in a polymer matrix, which can be dissolved in methanol, creating a liquid that
can be sprayed through the nozzle of a printer onto a surface. Yes, there is a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phyGNdj9iOI">3D printer that is used like
an aerosol can</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Duke researchers 3D printed a series of gold electrodes onto
a glass slide. Then printed, or “sprayed”, the copper-nanowire memory material
over the gold electrodes, and lastly printed a second series of cooper
electrodes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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To demonstrate, the researchers connected the 3D printed
device to 4-programmed LEDs, which became illuminated in various combinations
depending on the program. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Where would this spray on material be used? Researchers are
looking at Radio-frequency identification tags (RFID), most notably used in
tracking inventory. RFID tags electronically store information and when scanned
provide limited information, i.e., the product was stored here, picked up at
this time, and delivered at this time. With spray on memory, a consumer can see
the inventory information, along with the temperature the product was stored in
and for how long, or how the product was handled, which would be great for
medications, or a perfectly preserved bottle of wine. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Or for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT4eqddXpsg">golf
enthusiasts</a>, imagine having this printed onto your personal golf balls or
clubs to track speed, elevation, distance, wind resistance, or to find your
ball when you slice it into the woods.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What’s more, the spray-on memory can be re-written with no
limits. While conventional memory devices might last only a few years, the
spray-on memory has the ability to store data for a decade without degradation.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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The current storage space of the spray-on memory is equal to
a 4 bit flash drive. That is essentially the computer power of using your TV
remote or programming a coffee maker. However, still in its infancy, the
spray-on memory technology will only develop to become better and more
efficient.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Vincent Rodgers is a Marketing Communications Specialist for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company</a>. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-12530832682874043082016-11-23T11:20:00.000-08:002016-11-23T11:20:52.531-08:00NASA Chooses Finalists For Deep Space Exploration Habitat Hot off last year's successful results, NASA's public-private joint program, Next-STEP has just announced its newest aim to enlist private manufacturing for deep space exploration.<br />
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Next-STEP 2 will feature a competitive contract model for six companies chosen by NASA: Bigelow Aerospace LLC, Lockheed Martin, Sierra Nevada Corp, Orbital ATK, NanoRacks, and Boeing. These companies will provide prototypes from a shared grant of $65 million provided by NASA, along with up to 30 percent of their own money to added developmental costs.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpOkf7cjw-AEngjBJwsNY9jc-JEFR0MXszMJ2Ne__ATnzH-6bvXa6wZioUUPT2BeFfvcZ6FViNnU0JX362lGmcidRp9GRzNfZUEJF1NHpdOhIy7-YQ6IWyPTH2ZuahWWe-PfqBCknG1o/s1600/DeepSpaceHabitat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpOkf7cjw-AEngjBJwsNY9jc-JEFR0MXszMJ2Ne__ATnzH-6bvXa6wZioUUPT2BeFfvcZ6FViNnU0JX362lGmcidRp9GRzNfZUEJF1NHpdOhIy7-YQ6IWyPTH2ZuahWWe-PfqBCknG1o/s320/DeepSpaceHabitat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep Space Habitat Prototype</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Whereas the previous objective of 2015's Next-STEP included "commercial capabilities in low-orbit" (basically, airliners in space), this year's criteria focuses fully on developing a habitat environment for humans to survive the long time and conditions of deep space travel. The resulting technology could significantly advance NASA's well-publicized goal of astronauts reaching Mars by 2040. From NASA's <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-six-companies-to-develop-prototypes-concepts-for-deep-space-habitats" target="_blank">press release</a> detailing the endeavor:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">"The ground prototypes will be
used for three primary purposes: supporting integrated systems testing, human
factors and operations testing, and to help define overall system
functionality, These are important activities, as they help define the design
standards, common interfaces and requirements while reducing risks for the
final flight systems that will come after this phase."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
In essence, all six companies will have to find innovative ways to develop new designs of deep space habitats that will be subject to rigorous testing and risk assessment. Afterwards, NASA will almost certainly tweak whatever final prototype they choose, which will serve as the basis for the next generation of an increasingly interesting landscape of deep space exploration.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Donal Thoms-Cappello is a freelance writer for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company</a>.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-58258095137060583752016-10-28T11:21:00.000-07:002016-10-28T11:21:38.335-07:00"UFO" Houseboat Brings the Tiny House Concept To The Ocean<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKi9h4D_TQP9ZJT-JscuobfOtwsdHDNh3CkxtF4yHAnN-_ECRPmLrgdXyniG7RMq8oQxt86BGzK3lQbQCV52RuoixiMfzaI2JhRCxHad93B4uiUzWBEkCNDxLDnDpseBybI3votrmG9c/s1600/ufo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKi9h4D_TQP9ZJT-JscuobfOtwsdHDNh3CkxtF4yHAnN-_ECRPmLrgdXyniG7RMq8oQxt86BGzK3lQbQCV52RuoixiMfzaI2JhRCxHad93B4uiUzWBEkCNDxLDnDpseBybI3votrmG9c/s400/ufo-4.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Off-the-grid lifestyles seem to be all the rage these days, and the tiny home trend is a an excellent reflection of this. Having a small, sustainable habitat has become more and more enticing to younger generations looking for cheaper alternatives to traditional homes, even if it means a bigger price tag up front. Italian-based company <a href="http://www.jetcapsule.com/MainPages/Home.html" target="_blank">Jet Capsule</a> , however, has taken this movement to a whole new <a href="http://inhabitat.com/floating-ufo-home-is-completely-powered-by-wind-water-and-sun/ufo-floating-home-from-above/" target="_blank">level</a>.<br />
<br />
Sea level, that is.<br />
<br />
The company, which manufactures yachts, has designed plans for a pod-like concept home that floats in the ocean. This <a href="http://newatlas.com/ufo-floating-home/42903/" target="_blank">"Unidentified Floating Object"</a> will not only include 322 square feet of livable area, but also an off-the-grid energy apparatus including onboard solar panels and wind turbine as well. The fiberglass pod would include a fresh water generator, a vegetable garden on its outer rim, and an economic, slide-out kitchen. While it can cruise on its hydrojet propellers at a rate of 4 miles per hour, the pod's elastic anchor system ensures it won't capsize in stormy weather, provided it's docked in shallow water.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvX1cXOm-nrnfnVK-0iWP-KLs6dvaUrs0qSsFmV4xc_jgejlUrJmel39mE49xrWyRykTaHEZErdU1e2G1CelPIoQuJefogMC6f2D7wTrrSeByq9ebpPNLsT6-zZDZ-I5Fzqn9AVQlXMw/s1600/UFO-Floating-Home-Bottom-Level.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvX1cXOm-nrnfnVK-0iWP-KLs6dvaUrs0qSsFmV4xc_jgejlUrJmel39mE49xrWyRykTaHEZErdU1e2G1CelPIoQuJefogMC6f2D7wTrrSeByq9ebpPNLsT6-zZDZ-I5Fzqn9AVQlXMw/s320/UFO-Floating-Home-Bottom-Level.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jet Capsule's Floating Pod design<br />
includes panoramic viewing of<br />
underwater sea life.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One could see an issue if a vessel that moves this slowly had to gamble long distances with the risk of an approaching storm. Nevertheless, while it may not be an impervious home, many interests of the future dovetail with this design. The prospect of living off the grid, with the opportunity to travel to exotic locations, can appeal to all generations, whether green-minded or in retirement mode. And while the prototype Jet Capsule is promising currently demands a total of $800,000, the owners project the model could cost as low as $200,000.<br />
<br />
More than a standard yacht, but less than your average home.<br />
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<i>Donal Thoms-Cappello is a freelance writer for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company</a>.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050209917849083993.post-88206619611177353762016-10-14T13:12:00.000-07:002016-10-14T13:12:59.007-07:00Wazer Desktop Waterjet Cutter Debuts at TechCrunchAt the recent <a href="https://techcrunch.com/event-type/disrupt/" target="_blank">TechCrunch Disrupt Battlefield event</a>, San Francisco-based <a href="http://www.wazer.com/" target="_blank">Wazer</a> debuted something that could very well revolutionize the small business world: a desktop waterjet cutter.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/wazer-from-side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image result for wazer printer" border="0" height="183" src="https://tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/wazer-from-side.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wazer sets its desktop cutter at $6,000 for small business budgets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What was once considered appropriate for hobbyists now takes a different meaning in the context of the maker, DIY movement. The machine has a 12" x 18" bed and can even have its noisiest component (the pump) stored in a separate room. These features make it ideal for small businesses who, while they may have low volume orders compared to franchises, still need to produce original products faster than the speed of hands.<br />
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The major advantage of Wazer's product is the surprising effectiveness water and sand has compared to other laser and plasma technology in cutting. The machine issues a stream of water and garnet at a pressure somewhat less than industry standard but at different speeds, depending on the choice of raw material. While Wazer's cutter sacrifices a tiny bit of precision, it can make accurate cuts through one inch of almost any material provided. Steel is no issue, but even paper can be carved in creative methods without dissolving. In addition, the variety of possible materials even gives Wazer's product an edge over current 3D printing methods for start-ups looking to create prototypes. As Wazer CEO and co-founder Nisan Lerea says to TechCrunch:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The problem with 3D printing,” says Lerea, “is that you’re making something out of relatively fragile plastic. With water jet technology, you can create prototypes out of the materials that will be used in the final products. If you need limited production runs, you can even do small-batch manufacturing with this machine, which doesn’t work with most 3D printing technologies.<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #3e433e; font-family: "open sans" , "helveticaneue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">”</span> </blockquote>
Although the owners- who began this project as an academic experiment at Penn Engineering- do not believe water cutting will reach beyond niche markets. they have a very clear vision as to who those markets will be. “One of our test users is a jewelry maker who creates beautiful pieces out of coins,” Lerea continues. "Each piece she makes costs $5-600. The problem is that it takes her forever to make each piece. We can help her make more jewelry with better consistency, faster.”<br />
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Wazer's Kickstarter goal of $100,000 is all but in the bag, and as it centers on a resource more and more finite in a world of droughts and environmental instability, it would be interesting to see if the company ever considers plans to integrate resuseable water in its models.<br />
<br />
<i>Donal Thoms-Cappello is a freelance writer for <a href="http://www.rotorclip.com/" target="_blank">Rotor Clip Company</a></i>.
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