Mechanical Handling Research Articles

Crane Mechanical Handling Accidents and Their Prevention

Crane Mechanical Handling Accidents and Their Prevention

Past experience and future prospects for launching our country's small spacecraft from Plesetsk launch site

The paper provides an integrated analysis of the problem of the fast growing field of development and operation of Small Spacecraft (SS) constellations and participation of domestic launch site Plesetsk in solving this problem. It reviews the history of launches from Plesetsk, and describes the current status of work to build up and replenish SS-based orbital constellations. It describes major methods of SS launches. When describing multiple launches of SS on heavy launch vehicles it cites foreign practices of SpaceX Company, as well as lays down the prospects for development of our country’s heavy launch vehicles. As for the small-lift launch vehicles, it cites the experience of launching from Plesetsk of launch-vehicles Rokot and Soyuz-2 Phase 1v. For the super-small-lift launch vehicles, it cites the experience of USA and PRC, as well as our country’s development project of the launch vehicle Irkut, which is planned to be launched from Plesetsk, among other places. As for changes in the configuration of ground space infrastructure, the paper points out a trend towards processing SS at a single common processing facility (there is no need to construct processing facilities for each specific small spacecraft). The paper presents general trends in the system for operation of space facilities. The trends towards standardizing mechanical handling equipment in particular, and processing facilities in general, make it possible to lower development costs and speed up development schedules for advanced small spacecraft. Reducing small spacecraft processing time has a beneficial effect on the operational efficiency of the launch campaign, while the use of mobile checkout equipment makes it possible to quickly put together mobile and flexible processing facilities, the use of which will undoubtedly contribute to shaping the future of our country’s launch system. An important point made in the paper is the conclusion that in spite of our country’s lagging behind in super-small-lift launch vehicles, it has a significant scientific and engineering potential for developing this type of launch vehicles. Regardless of the value of other conclusions of the paper, the key point is that the current state of the ground space infrastructure facilities and the accumulated experience of specialists at Plesetsk make it possible to address the full spectrum of SS launch operations. Key words: small spacecraft, launch vehicles, ground space infrastructure, system for operation of space facilities.

Biophysical Characterization of a Novel Tri-Layer Placental Allograft Membrane.

Objective: Placental tissues, including membranes composed of amnion and chorion, are promising options for the treatment of chronic wounds. Amnion and chorion contain multiple extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and a multitude of growth factors and cytokines that, when used clinically, assist in the progression of difficult to heal wounds through restoration of a normal healing process. The objective of this study was to characterize the in vitro physical and biological properties of a dehydrated tri-layer placental allograft membrane (TPAM) consisting of a chorion layer sandwiched between two layers of amnion. Approach: Mechanical properties were evaluated by mechanical strength and enzyme degradation assays. The ECM composition of TPAM membranes was evaluated by histological staining while growth factors and cytokine presence was evaluated by a multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Proliferation, migration, and ECM secretion assays were performed with fibroblasts. Immunomodulatory properties were assessed by a pro-inflammatory cytokine reduction assay while the macrophage phenotype was determined by quantifying the ratio of M1 versus M2 secreted factors. Results: The unique three-layer construction improves mechanical handling properties over single- and bi-layer membranes. Results demonstrate that TPAM is rich in ECM proteins, growth factors, cytokines, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, and favorably influences fibroblast migration, proliferation, and ECM secretion when compared to negative controls. Furthermore, after processing and preservation, these membranes maintain their intrinsic immunomodulatory properties with the ability to suppress pro-inflammatory processes and modulate the M1 and M2 macrophage phenotype toward a pro-regenerative profile when compared to a negative control. Innovation: This is the first study to characterize both the biophysical and biological properties of a tri-layer placental membrane. Conclusion: This work demonstrates that TPAM has improved handling characteristics over single- and bi-layer membranes, stimulates pro-healing cellular responses, and advantageously modulates inflammatory responses, altogether making this scaffold a promising option for treating wounds, especially those that are complex or difficult to heal.

Physical and chemical attributes of prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) varieties Copena, Pelon Blanco and Pelon Rojo

Objective: attest and compare the fundamental attributes for fresh raw cactus cladodes and its chemical constituent’s quality when dried and grounded for three varieties of prickly pear cactus “Copena”, “Pelon blanco” and “Pelon rojo”. Design/methodology/approach: measurements of the physical attributes and chemical constituents were made by using proved and reliable techniques. Data will aid to explore the potential for these cactus materials when being handled from basic to complex processes, considering its need for size and quality of storage and their effect when they interact with processing devices and handling apparatus for the new product being elaborated. Results: the physical attributes among the three assessed cactus varieties showed slight differences in their parameters, but length, wide and electric conductivity. While for their chemical analysis, cactus cladodes were chopped, dried and grounded. Chemical compounds showed slight differences between the three varieties, but Pelon blanco had a higher fat percentage and the lowest zinc and potassium concentration. None of the varieties had iron. Limitations on study/implications: there was no management on the prickly pear cactus production. The assessment of the cultivars’ attributes was as they were from the field. Stabilization of the chemical constituents of Pelon blanco could be necessary, according to the expected features of new products, or lead to a new line of by-products. Findings/conclusions: mechanical handling of raw cladodes around the premises is facilitated, and its uses and maintenance are fewer management costs. Flour from each variety was kept at around 10 % water content to safeguarding storage. Regard the protein and carbohydrates content, flour of the three varieties ensure integration with other compounds and guarantees new products with high protein content.

The advanced tokamak path to a compact net electric fusion pilot plant

Physics-based simulations project a compact net electric fusion pilot plant with a nuclear testing mission is possible at modest scale based on the advanced tokamak concept, and identify key parameters for its optimization. These utilize a new integrated 1.5D core-edge approach for whole device modeling to predict performance by self-consistently applying transport, pedestal and current drive models to converge fully non-inductive stationary solutions, predicting profiles and energy confinement for a given density. This physics-based approach leads to new insights and understanding of reactor optimization. In particular, the levering role of high plasma density is identified, which raises fusion performance and self-driven ‘bootstrap currents’, to reduce current drive demands and enable high pressure with net electricity at a compact scale. Solutions at 6–7 T, ∼4 m radius and 200 MW net electricity are identified with margins and trade-offs possible between parameters. Current drive comes from neutral beam and ultra-high harmonic (helicon) fast wave, though other advanced approaches are not ruled out. The resulting low recirculating power in a double null configuration leads to a divertor heat flux challenge that is comparable to ITER, though reactor solutions may require more dissipation. Strong H-mode access (x2 margin over L–H transition scalings) and ITER-like heat fluxes are maintained with ∼20%–60% core radiation, though effects on confinement need further analysis. Neutron wall loadings appear tolerable. The approach would benefit from high temperature superconductors, as higher fields would increase performance margins while potential for demountability may facilitate nuclear testing. However, solutions are possible with conventional superconductors. An advanced load sharing and reactive bucking approach in the device centerpost region provides improved mechanical stress handling. The prospect of an affordable test device which could close the loop on net-electric production and conduct essential nuclear materials and breeding research is compelling, motivating research to validate the techniques and models employed here.

An extended finite element model for fracture mechanical response of tomato fruit

Fresh fruit micro-rupture generally occurs during mechanical handling, which severely affects the product’s postharvest quality along the supply chain. An extended finite element (XFEM) model was developed for investigating the fracture mechanical response of tomato fruit under postharvest mechanical compression. A 1/4 tomato fruit was modeled using three parts: exocarp, mesocarp and septa frame, and pre-crack. An amplitude curve-based uniformly distributed pressure load was applied over the internal surface of the locule for replacing the pressure change of the liquid in the fruit locule during compression simulation. The XFEM-based cohesive segments method in conjunction with Phantom nodes was used to simulate the initiation and propagation of the pre-crack in the fruit model. It was assumed that the fruit tissues were linear elastic and ideally brittle solid materials before fracture, the tissue fracture energy was independent of the size and geometry of the cracked tissue specimen, the tissue fracture response met a linear elastic traction-separation behavior, the crack initiation followed the maximum principal stress criterion and the crack evolution followed a linear softening law and a mode-independent and energy-based fracture criterion. The peak force applying over the locule surface was predicted as 0.02 MPa when the crack of the fruit virtually started to propagate. The XFEM model was found to be capable of reproducing the compression force-percentage deformation behavior as well as crack propagation of a tomato fruit in compression up to 28 % deformation with an average relative error was about 8 %. Both XFEM simulation and experiment data showed a rapid pre-crack propagation the percentage deformation was more than 20 %. Furthermore, the propagation length of the crack in the fruit model was sensitive to the peak pressure in the locule and the fracture mechanics (e.g., elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, failure stress, fracture energy) of the exocarp and mesocarp. This study demonstrates the application of XFEM as a novel tool to understand how fruit rupture under mechanical loading when the fruit mechanics varies at different conditions (e.g., ripeness), and the extent of crack propagation which are important for improving or developing new mechanical handling technologies.

Strontium-calcium phosphate hybrid cement with enhanced osteogenic and angiogenic properties for vascularised bone regeneration.

Vascularized bone tissue engineering is regarded as one of the optimal treatment options for large bone defects. The lack of angiogenic properties and unsatisfactory physicochemical performance restricts calcium phosphate cement (CPC) from application in vascularized bone tissue engineering. Our previous studies have developed a starch and BaSO4 incorporated calcium phosphate hybrid cement (CPHC) with improved mechanical strength and handling properties. However, the bioactivity-especially the angiogenic ability-is still absent and requires further improvement. Herein, based on the reported CPHC and the osteogenic and angiogenic properties of strontium (Sr) ions, a strontium-enhanced calcium phosphate hybrid cement (Sr-CPHC) was developed to improve both biological and physicochemical properties of CPC. Compared to CPC, the initial setting time of Sr-CPHC was prolonged from 2.2 min to 20.7 min. The compressive strength of Sr-CPHC improved from 11.21 MPa to 45.52 MPa compared with CPC as well. Sr-CPHC was biocompatible and showed promotion of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium nodule formation and osteogenic relative gene expression, suggesting high osteogenic-inductivity. Sr-CPHC also facilitated the migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro and up-regulated the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1). In vivo evaluation showed marked new bone formation in a rat calvarial defect model with Sr-CPHC implanted. Sr-CPHC also exhibited enhancement of neovascularization in subcutaneous connective tissue in a rat subcutaneous implantation model. Thus, the Sr-CPHC with the dual effects of osteogenesis and angiogenesis shows great potential for clinical applications such as the repair of ischemic osteonecrosis and critical-size bone defects.

Incorporation of porous protective layers as a strategy to improve mechanical stability of Tamm plasmon based detectors

A strategy to protect Tamm plasmon optical detectors from mechanical stress and handling by adding a sol–gel porous oxide overlayer is demonstrated. The sensing properties of the protected devices are also shown.

Design and analysis of elevator wire ropes

In this research paper design and analysis of wire ropes used in elevator have been presented. The main objective of this study is to find the best practices on handling wire ropes for safety and to reduce the downtime of elevators due to wire rope failures. Design calculations have been done to calculate the apt dimensions and design is constructed on Auto Desk inventor software and the analysis have been performed using Ansys. Two configurations of the wire ropes have been studied and from this result it can be concluded that the design of wire rope is possible to relieve mechanical handling and to improve the design of wire ropes making it more durable by possible inclusion of new materials which in turn increases the efficiency and life of wire ropes without compromising safety.

A Study on Toxic Effect of Chemicals and Control Strategies

Poisons are substances that can cause death, injury or harm to organs, tissues, cells and DNA usually by chemical reactions or other activity on the molecular scales, when an organism is exposed to a sufficient quantity. The objective of the study was to identify the toxic chemicals, to study their poisoning effect and present poisoning reduction strategies and then precautions. Analytical research method was used for conducting this research. This study is focused on the toxicity of major harmful chemicals such as hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, chloroform, Sulphur dioxide, ammonia, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, mercury, arsenic, cadmium and their compounds, catalyst, inert gases, insecticides, antidote which have been used in chemistry laboratories and in other different fields. Students from higher education to research levels are suffering from toxic laboratory chemicals. Workers in chemical industries are being intoxicated from poisonous reactants, intermediates and final products. Farmers are directly exposed to chemical fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Different types of toxic irritant, sensitizer, asphyxiates, anesthetics, narcotics, systemic poisons, respiratory fibrogens, and carcinogens are mainly responsible for animal poisoning and environmental pollution. Poisoning from toxic chemicals can be controlled by the strategies like substitution, mechanical handling, process changing, suppression, segregation, ventilation, personal protection, medical supervision and biological monitoring. Immediate accidental poisoning can be managed by using respective antidotes and obeying specific precautions.

Physical properties of selected groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) varieties and its implication to mechanical handling and processing

The physical properties of agricultural materials are functional in solving many glitches associated with machine design during handling and mechanical processing. Physical properties of five groundnut varieties (“Obolo”, “Yenyawoso”, “CRI Nkatie”, “Agbeyeyie” and “Pion”) and their relations to the design of food processing equipment were studied. Obolo variety recorded the maximum axial dimensions, 1000 mass grain, angle of repose, unit volume, and porosity. However, the values of bulk and true densities for Obolo variety were minimal compared with the other four varieties. Data for the angle of repose for the groundnut varieties were 17.74° (Yenyawoso), 18.02° (Pion), 18.73° (Agbeyeyie), 18.71° (Cri-Nkatie), and 18.89° (Obolo). The porosity of the kernels ranged from 21.97 to 24.54%. The mean greatest porosity was found in Obolo (24.54%), followed by Yenyawoso (24.38%), while Agbeyeyie recorded the least mean porosity of 21.97%. The coefficient of friction was greater for the galvanized steel surface than the other experimental surfaces for all the groundnut varieties studied. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed varietal differences among some means of the physical attributes at p < 0.05. Except for the angle of repose, the geometric, gravimetric and frictional properties showed some significant differences at p < 0.05. Obolo variety was statistically different compared with the other four varieties for all the parameters studied. In selecting or designing equipment for processing, Obolo variety will require separate equipment different from that of the other four varieties. Additionally, the study provides pertinent data for use in the selection and designing of machines for processing groundnut kernels. Key words: Postharvest processing equipment, geometric mean diameter, bulk density, frictional properties, groundnut kernels, angle of repose.

Laser Debonding of Ultrathin Wafers and Packages: A Technology for the New Generation of Electronic Devices

The continuous shrinkage of the device wafers thickness is driving the current mature debonding technologies to their limits. The challenging form factor demands for memory (≤ 30 µm) or new generations of power devices applications are just two examples for the need of lowering the device thickness.Slide-off as well as mechanical debonding are methods currently in use in high volume production, but these two technologies are not capable to support the new requirements in terms of thermal and mechanical stability, handling, throughput (affecting the cost of ownership - CoO), and process margin. Therefore, device manufactures are looking for a more versatile, universal debonding technology. State of the art UV laser debonding is a very promising candidate which can help bringing the required process margin and flexibility. By combining laser debonding and thermoset materials with a high thermal budget the process window can be significantly enhanced.Most of the thermoset materials of interest which are used to form a bond and to embed the device topography cannot be stimulated directly with UV light. In order to enable a debonding process for these materials, an additional layer is commonly deposited on the carrier. The post bond uniformity (quantified typically by the total thickness variation - TTV) of the used bulk layer of thermoset adhesive has to be very well controlled in order to enable a defect free thinning of the device wafer: this becomes crucial particularly when the final device layer has to be thinned down below 10 µm. Besides the optimization of the bond layer thickness uniformity, suitable carriers for different devices and applications were evaluated. Due to the significant variety of the available glass carriers, a customized temporary bonding process can be developed by selecting the most appropriate adhesive and carrier combinations suitable even for very challenging substrates, like reconstituted wafers.Reconstituted wafers consist of a number of different layers and materials with different thermal expansion coefficients, which makes the stress management and the handling of such substrates extremely difficult. However, the choice of the suitable carrier enables the processing independent of the chosen integration process flow (RDL first; Chip first). Even a carrier flip flop to enable the processing of the back side of the very thin package is possible and this is enabling the creation of ultra-thin and smart packages.The scope of the current work was to address the post bond adhesive thickness uniformity as well as the stress management. Experimental results will be presented for the process optimization: figure 1 shows two bow measurement results for two different carrier materials and figure 2 shows an example of post-bonding thermoset adhesive uniformity measurement Figure 1

The Impact of a Change in Employment on Three Work-Related Diseases: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study of 10,530 Belgian Employees.

Background: The literature that has investigated to what extent a change in employment contributes to good health is contradictory or shows inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to investigate whether an association exists between a change in employment and cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and neuropsychological diseases in a sample of 10,530 Belgian workers in a seven-year follow-up study period. Methods: The following factors were analysed: Demographic variables, a change in employment and the work-related risks. Individuals being on medication for cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neuropsychological diseases were used as proxies for the three health issues. Logistic regression models for autocorrelated data with repeated measures were used to examine each medication type. Results: A change in employment and psychosocial load can have an important effect on the health of cardiovascular employees. Demographic variables, such as BMI and age, are risk factors for all three medications. Repetitive, manual tasks, handling static, exposure to noise levels of 87 dB, mechanical and/or manual handling with loads, and shift work were found to be positively associated with medications taken for musculoskeletal diseases. Exposure to noise 80 dB(A), managing physical loads and night work were found to be associated with being on medication for neuropsychological diseases. Physical activity and skill levels were considered to be protective factors for being on medication for neuropsychological diseases. Conclusions: Change in employment and psychosocial load were found as two important risk factors for being on medication for cardiovascular (CVD). Dealing with loads, doing shift work and being daily exposed to the noise of 87 dB correlated with being on medication for musculoskeletal (MSD). Dealing with physical loads, doing night work and being exposed to the noise of 80 dB were risk factors for being on medication for neuropsychological (NPD). While doing physical activity and reporting higher skill levels were found to be protective factors for NPD.

Construction and Testing of Belt Conveyor System for Auchi Polytechnic Demonstration Farm

Materials handling is a very important aspect of post-harvest operation, the socio-economic value and shelf life of crops especially perishables depends largely on how they are conveyed from one place to another, a conveyor is a mechanical handling equipment that moves materials from one location to another. Many kinds of conveying systems are available, and are used according to the various needs of different industries. The aim of this paper is to construct a belt conveyor machine for Auchi Polytechnic demonstration farm. This paper contains the design calculations and considerations of belt conveyor system, in terms of size, length, capacity and speed, roller diameter, power and tension, idler spacing, type of drive unit, diameter, location and arrangement of pulley, angle and axis of rotation, control mode, intended application. The completed work will help to reduce human effort and at the same time increase the productivity and accuracy levels that cannot be achieved with manual operations. Keywords : Materials handling, Post-harvest operations, Belt Conveyor, Frame, Material handling equipment, DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/11-18-03 Publication date: September 30 th 2020

Paclobutrazol and phenoxaprope-P-ethyl potential as growth regulator in Carpet grass Plus®

Abstract Mowing is a fundamental management for turfgrass development. However, this operation has a higher cost, requiring alternatives to mechanical handling, such as growth regulators use. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the use of paclobutrazol and phenoxaprope-P-ethyl as growth regulators in Carpet grass Plus®. The experiment was performed in full sun, in the northwest region of São Paulo state, from January to March 2020. The grass used was planted in black plastic containers (50 x 17 cm, with a height of 15 cm, totalling 11 L of volume), previously prepared with a mixture of soil + sand (2:1). The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of two doses of paclobutrazol (1.0 and 2.0 mL L-1) + control and two doses of phenoxaprope-P-ethyl (6.25 and 12.5 µL L-1) + control. Leaf chlorophyll index, digital image analysis and fresh leaf mass were evaluated. It was observed that for Carpet grass Plus®, there was paclobutrazol effect when used as a growth regulator, with the recommended dose of 2 ml L-1 due to its residual effect up to 35 days in reducing fresh mass, without changing the concentration of leaf chlorophyll and green colour. Phenoxaprope-P-ethyl, on the other hand, had an effect as a growth regulator for the studied species, when used in the dose of 6.25 µL L-1.

Harnessing the potential of common water hyacinth as an industrial raw material for the production of quality biofuel briquettes

Eichhornia crassipes has a high cellulose and hemicellulose content, which are easily converted to simple sugars, thus making the plant suitable for the production of biofuel briquettes. The main purpose of this proposed work, therefore, was to investigate the production of bio briquettes from E. crassipes. The plant was harvested from a wastewater effluent management system, chopped, sun-dried and pulverized to a particle size of < 5 mm and mixed with various binders (Eucalyptus globulus leaves powder, molasses and phytoplankton scum). The binders were appropriately prepared and added to E. crassipes at the ratios of 10%, 20% and 30%. The quality of biofuel briquettes was evaluated using compressed density, relaxed density, water resistance, durability and calorific values (CV) parameters and compared to those of charcoal briquettes already on the market. The results showed a water resistance capacity of 45%, relaxation ratios of between 1.08 and 1.33, CV of 1148.35 kJ/kg for 20% molasses-based briquettes, CV of 1090.43 kJ/kg for 20% E. globulus leaf-based briquettes and CV of 1422.97 kJ/kg for charcoal-based briquettes. In conclusion, therefore, E. crassipes may become a viable raw material for producing quality biofuel briquettes that are durable with the desired calorific value and may be able to withstand mechanical handling and be useful for household and cottage industries locally.

No evidence of cardiac stunning or decoupling immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass for elective coronary surgery.

There is significant uncertainty regarding the timing of onset of cardiovascular stunning after cardiac surgery. Cardiovascular stunning is affecting both contractility (Ees) and arterial load. Arterial load may be represented by arterial elastance (Ea) and participates in ventriculo-arterial coupling through the Ea/Ees ratio, giving information on efficiency and performance. An alternative approach to ventriculo-arterial interaction is oscillatory power fraction (OPF). The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate beat-to-beat effects of on-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery on contractility, cardiac power parameters, arterial load and ventriculo-arterial coupling as well as classical haemodynamic parameters. We included 41 patients scheduled for fast-track CABG surgery. Measurements were taken before and after cardiopulmonary bypass. A flow and pressure curve were recorded from transoesophageal pulsed wave Doppler and a radial artery catheter, respectively. This enabled the calculation of stroke work, total cardiac energy delivery, OPF and Ea/Ees ratio. Routine haemodynamic monitoring provided the classical haemodynamic parameters. Immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass there was no firm evidence for alterations in contractility, stroke work, stroke volume or arterial elastance. Ea/Ees ratio and OPF remained unchanged. There was no evidence for clinically relevant cardiac stunning or altered arterial load immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass for CABG surgery. The unchanged Ea/Ees ratio and OPF are indicating unchanged cardiac efficiency before and after cardiopulmonary bypass. This indicates that in elective CABG patients cardiovascular stunning is perhaps a phenomenon of inflammation and not immediate ischaemia-reperfusion injury or mechanical handling.

RF MEMS switches, switching networks and phase shifters for microwave to millimeter wave applications

This work presents design, fabrication and measurements of RF MEMS metal-contact switches, switching network and phase shifters. The complete work is broadly divided into three parts. The first part concentrates on the metal-contact switch functionalities in terms of mechanical behaviour, electrical behaviour, transient analysis, linearity, power handling, temperature, S-parameter and reliability. All these switch performances are critically evaluated for developing high-performance and reliable MEMS switch. Different single-pole-multi-throw (SPnT) switching networks are also designed and tested where n varies from two to sixteen. Next part concentrates on the design and development of narrow-band (500 MHz) MEMS digital phase shifters (2- to 5-bit) driven by an electrostatic actuation. Next and last phase of this work deals with a reconfigurable MEMS digital phase shifter using a push–pull-type beam topology. The utility of this beam design is validated and tested on a simple DMTL configuration where 11 push–pull bridges are used in a periodic placement. Finally, a modified version of the push–pull actuator is used to design a frequency reconfigurable 5-bit phase shifter over a wide band of spectrum of 10–25 GHz. The concept of the frequency reconfiguration is clearly mentioned and validated with exhaustive measurement process. In addition, a low-cost module is developed using gold-coated brass material to observe optimum device performance for end-user applications and two phase shifters are tested over large cycles including power handling, temperature stability and qualification testing such as 3-axis vibration.

AUTOMATIC LIQUID FILLING MACHINE.

A conveyer system is a common piece of mechanical handling equipment that moves materials from one location to another. Our project uses this technology for filling any desired liquid into a container one after another continuously with the help of Arduino nano. This equipment will be useful in industries for large scale production of bottled items. Also, this same equipment but of small size will come in handy for domestic usage . This report consists of entire details of the method of making and assembling the “AUTOMATIC LIQUID FILLING MACHINE” along with the programming of controlling component i.e, Arduino nano.

Relevant criteria for the selection of cryotubes. Experiences from the German National Cohort

Abstract Background The storage of different biomaterials over long time periods is one of the main requirements of biobanking ensuring that modifications in the composition or any other change of the biomaterials have to be avoided. In the German National Cohort samples from around 200,000 participants are processed and stored long term. Methods A tender for cryotubes and racks was performed in 2013 setting up several characteristics that were judged against each other. Tubes and racks were evaluated regarding the performance and handling in connection with the main biorepository. With a 5-year experience using the selected tubes we are able to reflect some of the criteria of the tender. Results At the end of the decision, the former company FluidX, in the meantime taken over from Brooks (Brooks Life Sciences, Manchester, UK), received the order. The experience with the external testing of the tube was useful. Conclusions Overall, the experience with the cryotubes is good and their mechanical handling at the different sites is routine in the meantime. There are some aspects that we recommend for future tenders. Further research is necessary to learn more about the cryotubes and the labware in general in the field of biobanking to store our samples as safely as possible.