Non-standard Devices Research Articles

The Perfect Med Bag is One that Doesn't Fall Off a Cliff: A Combat Mass Casualty Case.

Military trauma provides a unique pattern of injuries due to the high velocity, high kinetic energy ammunition utilized, and the high prevalence of blast injury. To further complicate this, military trauma often occurs in austere environments with limited logistical support. Therefore, military medical providers are forced to learn nonstandard techniques and when necessary, practice a level of improvisation not commonly seen in other medical fields. The case presented in this manuscript is a prime example of these challenges. At the onset of fighting both the medic's rucksack, carrying with it the primary source of medical gear and the precious supply of cold-stored blood products are lost. The scenario was further complicated by rough mountainous terrain and a prolonged evacuation time. The medical provider was forced to utilize nonstandard devices such as an improvised junctional tourniquet which used a rock to focus the devices pressure. They also adapted their basic understanding of surgical procedures to conduct a vascular cutdown procedure for wound exposure and effectively pack an otherwise non-compressible wound to a major artery. Despite a significant loss of equipment, the medic and their team were able to successfully care for a number of patients in this mass casualty scenario.

Remarks on the experimental behaviour of curved surface sliders of the new Polcevera Bridge in Genoa

This work presents the results of the procedure of certification and acceptance for the sliding behavior of non-standard devices curved surface sliders, used for the seismic isolation of the New Polcevera Bridge. Indeed, the deck is seismically isolated from the piers. The supporting scheme withstands the seismic actions, wind actions and thermal actions, very relevant in a 1067 m length bridge without middle expansion joints. The paper aim is to describe the approach followed during the construction supervision process for the functional certification and acceptance tests of the bearing devices coherently with Italian and European codes. The paper highlights the main issues encountered during the application of the different specifications. A description of the different functional tests required during the construction supervision process is presented as well as an overview of the different acceptance criteria of the tests results. The intent is to prepare a series of useful recommendations for the definition of the seismic acceptance tests for bearing devices for highway bridges in Italian and European contest. Finally, all the results regarding the static and dynamic frictional coefficients, have been used to derive regressions laws, by also comparing them with the outcomes of previous literature studies.

Generalized Smooth Functions for Modeling Steady-State Response of Controls in Transmission and Distribution

• Present generalized continuous functions to model steady-state response of grid controls. • Employ homotopy and limiting techniques for scalability and robustness. • Traditional controls as well as newer controls are mapped to smooth continuous functions. • Applied to both transmission and distribution power flow to scale to systems as large as 70k buses. The promise of renewables and the consequent fluctuations in the power grid necessitate a robust simulation framework to capture the steady-state behavior of new controls. However, standard non-differentiable models of control mechanisms produce divergence and/or numerical oscillations in large power flow simulations. In this paper, we describe a methodology that introduces two generalized class C 1 smooth basis functions to model the steady-state of various controls in power flow for transmission and three-phase distribution as well as optimization settings. These models are accompanied by homotopy methods and limiting techniques in the simulation engine that ensure scalable and robust convergence. We map standard power flow controls, typically modeled as non-differentiable functions in commercial tools, to the proposed class C 1 basis functions and demonstrate the benefits for robustness in comparison to commercial tools on test cases as large as the US Eastern Interconnection system. We further extend the approach to model non-standard devices such as STATCOMs and the steady-state effects of inverter-based generators in three-phase distribution and optimization problems.

Compact High Efficiency and Zero-Emission Gas-Fired Power Plant with Oxy-Combustion and Carbon Capture

Reduction of greenhouse gases emissions is a key challenge for the power generation industry, requiring the implementation of new designs and methods of electricity generation. This article presents a design solution for a novel thermodynamic cycle with two new devices—namely, a wet combustion chamber and a spray-ejector condenser. In the proposed cycle, high temperature occurs in the combustion chamber because of fuel combustion by pure oxygen. As a consequence of the chemical reaction and open water cooling, a mixture of H2O and CO2 is produced. The resulting working medium expands in one turbine that combines the advantages of gas turbines (high turbine inlet temperatures) and steam turbines (full expansion to vacuum). Moreover, the main purpose of the spray-ejector condenser is the simultaneous condensation of water vapour and compression of CO2 from condensing pressure to about 1 bar. The efficiency of the proposed cycle has been estimated at 37.78%. COM-GAS software has been used for computational flow mechanics simulations. The calculation considers the drop in efficiency due to air separation unit, carbon capture, and spray-ejector condenser processes. The advantage of the proposed cycle is its compactness that can be achieved by replacing the largest equipment in the steam unit. The authors make reference to a steam generator, a conventional steam condenser, and the steam-gas turbine. Instead of classical heat exchanger equipment, the authors propose non-standard devices, such as a wet combustion chamber and spray-ejector condenser.

Non-Standard Devices for Determination of Temperature Flammability Limits

Non-Standard Devices for Determination of Temperature Flammability Limits

INSTALLATION FOR DETERMINATION OF HEAT RELEASE OF HEATING RADIATORS

To calculate the share of thermal energy consumed by this apartment in an apartment building, it is necessary to determine the heat transfer of all heating radiators in the house. But the heat transfer given in the passport of the heating device corresponds to the temperature pressure equal to 70K. Often the owners install non-standard devices, so the problem of determining the heat transfer of heating radiators in real conditions is relevant. Thermometric method, which is called electric, is widely used for laboratory determination of heat transfer of heating devices. Water by means of the pump circulates through an electric copper and the investigated radiator. The heat output of the latter is defined as the difference between the supplied electrical power (boiler power plus pump) and heat loss. The purpose of the work is to develop and study the operation of the installation for determining the heat transfer of heating radiators, which had a simpler design and could ensure proper measurement accuracy. We have proposed a scheme and design of the installation for determining the heat transfer of electric heating radiators, which differs in that it does not include a circulating pump. Water in the system circulates under the action of gravity due to changes in the density of the coolant during heating and cooling. This greatly simplifies the circuit by eliminating not only the pump but also the valve and the air outlet valve. The heater chamber is made of a steel pipe with a diameter of 88 mm. A steel cover is attached to the lower flange, through which a 1-1.5 kW heater is introduced into the chamber. Two 1/2 ″ sections of pipe are welded to the body of the heater chamber, through which the radiator is connected by means of rubber couplings. The cylindrical surface of the chamber on top of the layer of internal insulation is covered with a shielding heater, the temperature of which is maintained equal to the surface temperature of the heater chamber in the middle part. A layer of external thermal insulation is installed on top of the shielding heater. To determine heat loss, the radiator is disconnected from the heater chamber, plugs are installed and insulated. In stationary mode, the dependence of the heater power on the temperature of the heater chamber is measured, which determines the power of heat losses. The simplification of the installation has led not only to its reduction in price, but also to an increase in accuracy due to the reduction of heat losses and the simplicity of their definition.

Design and technological solutions for technical systems based on the example of a sowing complex for grain crops

In this paper, we have developed a formalized problem statement for automated design of a technical system (TS) on the example of a sowing complex (SC) and improved the methodology of decision-making information support for its design by creating a virtual model of the TS. An information-logical model, which unifies sets of data on the external environment and data processing technologies, is used for selecting the structural scheme of the TS. A procedural decision-making model allows optimal selection of standard units and mechanisms of the TS taking into account uncertainty and discrepancies in the data. The virtual model of the SC is presented in the form of a hierarchical frame structure, including parametric three-dimensional geometric models and drawings of individual units, devices, mechanisms and details, as well as attributive data. A new design of a SC for grain crops uses both standard units and non-standard devices, which provides reduction of the sowing time and energy consumption together with the possibility of using the SC as a cultivator and a disk harrow.

Rationale construction of individual elements of technological complex

In this paper, we propose the substantiation procedure of a technological complex design on the example of a seeding complex. As a result of performed research, design of the seeding complex for grain crops has been improved using non-standard devices and typical parts that provide: reduction in the time of seeding and energy consumption, possibility of using the seeding complex as a cultivator and a disk harrow. Analysis of computational research results allowed us to specify the following parameters: disc angle of 15 degrees, while the specific traction resistance of the seeding complex does not exceed 3.44 kN/m on the stubble background, and 3.19 kN/m on the fallow background. Field studies of the developed complex has shown that at the given seeding depth (with the variation ± 1cm) the accuracy is 83.5 ... 84.2 %. Optimum quantity of plants of grain crops per unit area is provided under the following conditions: bucket volume 7,2 dm3, distance between buckets 0.21 m; speed of the bucket elevator is 0.12 m/s. The proposed design of the seeding complex is recommended to be used for combining several operations: soil preparation, sowing of cereals and soil packing.

Forensic audio authentication analysis technique of first or higher generation copies of analog magnetic audio tapes

In forensic audio examination, standard listening and visual sound spectrogram analysis methods often lead to incorrect conclusions due to the losses in data when the tape is copied. Furthermore, conducting the standard examinations on audio files which are digitally edited and re-recorded on the tapes, leaving very little trace behind, also result in incorrect decisions made by forensic experts. In this study, a novel and a very simple technique was developed, where the electronic edit traces on an electronically edited tape become easily detectable on copy generation tapes. Thus, regardless of the duplication speed, copied tapes can be analyzed for their originality and integrity with this technique and digital changes on them can be determined. The technique is based on increasing the tape playback speed by modifying the playback system of a player device. This essentially alters the time base of the signal and expands the low frequency scale of the recording in the frequency domain, and makes manipulation marks easily observable. It can be applied to most analog magnetic tape recorder devices. Edit marks can be precisely detected with minimal loss of time by using specially modified nonstandard devices rather than available conventional standard devices.

Research on the key technology of non-standard automation control system development platform with shop-floor management and monitoring functions

With the development of industrial automation technology, non-standard automation devices have attracted more and more attention in modern manufacturing enterprise for its flexibility and customisation features. To deal with increasing requirements of rapid and customised development of non-standard automation control systems, soft PLC model of CoDeSys, which complies with IEC 61131-3, and the protocol of industrial real-time Ethernet (RTE) Ethernet for manufacture automation control (EtherMAC) are analysed. Design method of industrial RTE EtherMAC component library which based on CoDeSys runtime system (RTS) component library is studied. Then CoDeSys OPC communication model and database for shop-floor data access are studied as well. Based on these works, a non-standard automation control system development platform is designed and implemented through the combination of CoDeSys and EtherMAC. This platform integrates industrial RTE EtherMAC component library and database to provide modules for developers to achieve not only logic and motion control functions but also shop-floor management and monitoring. In order to verify the flexibility and feasibility of the development platform, a solar panel automatic laying machine control system with shop-floor management and monitoring functions is designed through the platform.

Faecal management systems for disabling incontinence or wounds.

Protecting the perineum from faecal enzymes and preventing faeces from spreading to wounds has been a major challenge for nurses and doctors. Clinicians whose patients are at risk of faecal contamination of wounds have used various methods and many non-standard devices have been trialled, including: large French urinary catheters; rigid rectal catheters; faecal collection bags; mushroom-tipped catheters; nasopharyngeal airway; pharmacological and dietary interventions; incontinence pads; and barrier creams. An initial literature review identified a number of papers of possible interest, but overall we found that little work has been done to evaluate the various ad hoc devices used to manage faecal incontinence, or indeed to consider more formal, purpose-designed systems, such as the ConvaTec Flexi-Seal® faecal management system (FMS). The purpose of this paper is to consider the use of purpose-designed faecal or bowel-management systems-the ConvaTec Flexi-Seal® FMS and Hollister InstaFlo® and ActiFlo® bowel management systems (BMS)-available in Australia at the time of writing. Overall, the authors believe that such purpose-designed systems are more efficient and cost-effective than other ad hoc measures.

Automatic Assembly and Key Technologies of Expansion Joints

Expansion joints are non-standard devices whose shape and parameters could vary with temperature, pressure, displacement and cycle life, so it's drawing work is very burdensome. Expansion joint industry is badly in need a set of accurate, reliable and stong practical professional graphics software. Therefore this paper carried out targeted secondary development of the software on the basis of digestion and absorption of SolidWorks2010 so as to meet the urgent needs of expansion joints industry. The structure of most parts of bellows expansion joints is not complex, and their geometry are relatively simple and fixed, so it is very suitable for parametric modeling method.

Development of Graphics Software of Bellows Expansion Joint

Expansion joints are non-standard devices which shape and parameters could vary with temperature, pressure, displacement and cycle life. The drawing work of expansion joints is rather important. A set of accurate, reliable and strong practical professional graphics software is needed for expansion joint industry. On the basis of digestion and absorption of SolidWorks 2010, secondary development of the software was carried out in this paper so as to meet the urgent needs of expansion joints industry. The structures of most bellows expansion joints are not complex, and their geometries are relatively simple and fixed. It is very suitable for bellows expansion joints solved with parametric modeling method.

Keyboard Shape and Arrangement Effects on Keyboard Design Elements

The present study investigated the effects of different keyboard shapes and letter arrangements to determine the optimum design for text entry with a rotary controller. Few research studies have examined keyboard shapes to determine the criteria that are most relevant for non-standard input devices. This study included examination of both visual search and movement control aspects of text entry. Older and younger participants moved a knob on a rotary controller from a start position to a target position on four different keyboard shapes. These participants also searched for a target symbol on three different arrangements of letters, numbers, and punctuation marks on one of the same keyboard shapes as the movement trials. Results from the younger adults in both experiments are discussed in this study, along with early results from several older adults.

Op-amps and startup circuits for CMOS bandgap references with near 1-V supply

The design of bandgap-based voltage references in digital CMOS raises several design difficulties, as the supply voltage is lower than the silicon bandgap in electron volts, i.e., 1.2 V. A current-mode architecture is used in order to address the main issues posed by the low supply, but the implementation of the operational amplifier and of dedicated startup circuits deserves some attention. Even if nonstandard devices such as depletion-mode MOS transistors may be helpful to manage the supply scaling, they are seldom available and poorly characterized. Therefore, they must be avoided in a robust design featuring a high portability. This paper proposes some circuit solutions suitable for very low-supply-voltage operation and addresses the main issues of achieving the correct bias point at the power on. A few bandgap references were implemented in digital 0.35- and 0.18-/spl mu/m technologies featuring a nominal output voltage of about 500 mV and minimum supplies from 1.5 to 0.9 V.

Possibilities and distinctive details of the application of shape-memory alloys in nuclear technology

To increase the reliability and safety of nuclear power plants, increase the compactness of parts, and decrease the irradiation of personnel, it is important to employ nonstandard technical devices, including shape-memory devices. At the present time, there is a definite scientific-technical potential for using shape-memory devices in nuclear power plants: utilization strategy, experimenal—commercial technology for fabricating different intermediate products, collection of alloys with different actuating temperatures, fundamental and construction solutions, theoretical foundations, experimental research base, experimental characteristics, verification of and experience in operation (in part, under reactor conditions), program of improvement in the direction of increasing resistance to irradiation, high speed of operation, and corrosion resistance. Of the diverse shape-memory devices the following will apparently be primarily used: stationary thermomechanical connections, gaskets, plugs, fasteners, and so on, self-operating bipositional counteraccident devices which act on the main process of the system and on the flow rate of the medium, electrically controlled driving mechanisms for closing fixtures, and small instruments. To accelerate the adoption of such devices in nuclear technology a catalog of shape-memory devices which are currently available must be compiled, a dictionary on application of shape-memory alloys must be developed, the stages of research and development must be separate, the technical conditions must be formulated, shape-memory alloys and devices must be certified, engineering methods of construction and calculation of devices must be developed, including methods for rapid heating and cooling and calculation of the speed of operation.

Limb Deficiencies and Prosthetic Devices

The child with a congenital limb deficiency is best managed by an interdisciplinary clinic team, which can see him early and work with parents and agencies to provide adequate and early prosthetic prescriptions. Terminal transverse limb deficiencies are generally fitted similarly to the patient with acquired amputation at the same level. Other deficiencies often require nonstandard prosthetic devices in association with corrective or conversion surgery.

Use of temperature observations in the maintenance of earth dams

1. The usefulness and economy of the temperature observations at the 22nd CPSU Congress Volga hydroelectric plant permit recommending similar methods for the maintenance of hydraulic structures, for other hydraulic developments. 2. For quick adoption of the temperature method of seepage control, it is necessary to select a more rational type of deep electrothermometer and to initiate the manufacture of this instrument at one of the factories of nonstandard devices of the Ministry of Power and Electrification of the USSR. 3. It is necessary to improve the methods of utilization of temperature observations for the control of seepage regime and of the state of structures and their impervious elements (facings, cores, aprons, etc.) on cohesive soils.