The Nex Flow X-Stream Air Blade Air Knife is already used extensively for replacing rows of nozzles or jets or drilled pipe to reduce energy. Now available with a special hard coated surface over its aluminum body for mildly corrosive environments and to address any abrasive contact to the surface.
The Nex Flow X-Stream Air Blade air knives can sometimes eliminate the need to go to more costly and heavy stainless steel units and save hundreds of dollars in cost! As with the regular anodized aluminum units, the new Hardened X-Stream Air Blade Air Knife comes complete with a stainless steel shim to set the air gap (most others use cheap plastic which can wear out quickly) and are held together with stainless steel screws.
Available in 2”, 3”, 6”, 9”, 12”, 18”, 24”, 30”, 36”, 42”. 48”and 54” lengths as standard they can also be coupled together using a coupling kit for longer spans using a standard hard anodized coupling kit.
The Nex Flow X-Stream Air Blade Air Knife has proven to be of high quality, high performance and one of the most quiet, if not “the most quiet” designs on the market for all types of blow-off and cooling applications. Eliminating a row of drilled pipe can save up to 90% of compressed air costs.
2011年12月5日星期一
2011年12月4日星期日
Stainless steel takes a light touch
Stainless steel appliances: They’re eye-pleasing, sleek and darned near a cliche these days.
But that ubiquity means a lot of people are wrestling with the same problem: how to keep stainless steel clean, ward off scratches and keep a notoriously touchy surface factory-fresh.
Deservedly or not, stainless steel has picked up a reputation as something of a dirt magnet.
“It is a surface that requires a certain amount of attention,” said Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman, deputy home editor at Consumer Reports. “A good way to understand that is to go to the appliance section at a store and look at the appliances. And you’ll see they often do have fingerprints all over them.”
If there’s one silver lining to this, it’s that manufacturers of appliances and household cleaning products have heard the concerns and fired back with waves of cleansers, coatings and stainless steel alternatives.
When approaching stainless maintenance, think loosely of your car, said Scott Bennett, kitchen and bath designer at a Kansas City Home Depot.
After all, a lot of the current wave of stainless cleaning products can act a bit like a car wax, Bennett said. One product he recommends is Stainless Steel Magic, which he said minimizes fingerprints and gives a polished look. Simple Green’s Stainless Steel One-Step Cleaner & Polish is another winner, he said, and both cost just a few dollars.
Also similar to car maintenance: Stainless steel responds better to dedicated stainless cleaning products, Bennett said.
“You can use other cleaners or just soap and water,” he said. “But it will probably leave streaks and water spots. If you just take a damp cloth and wipe it down, you’ll have streaks, and you’ll do nothing to prevent fingerprints.”
Others say it comes down to personal preference.
Jeff Adams of the Mop Bucket cleaning-supply store, said if you want a glow, an oil-based stainless steel cleaner is the way to go. But oil-based products can dull as soon as water hits the surface.
For a more natural look, Adams said he prefers non-ammonia glass cleaner or a water-based stainless cleaner.
“It’s not going to give you a great shine, it’s just going to clean it and remove smudges,” he said.
Whatever you use, don’t overdo it, he said. Fingerprints, smeared surfaces and grease buildup come largely from using too much stainless steel cleaner — and the more you use, the more money you’re spending.
Consumer Reports has found few differences among cleaners and recommends consumers pick the least expensive option available, Kuperszmid Lehrman said.
Another cleaning key: Use a lint-free cloth. Paper towels will work fine, but lint-free microfiber probably will produce the best results.
Still too much of a hassle? Consider eschewing stainless altogether in favor of faux-stainless veneers.
Unlike most true stainless-steel refrigerators, they have the benefit of being magnetic (meaning the family fridge can once again become an art display and open-air filing cabinet). And faux-stainless veneers are less expensive than true stainless. That price discrepancy may grow more noticeable in coming years as the prices of raw materials for stainless steel go up.
Still, true uncoated stainless stands head and shoulders above the other options when it comes to scratch repair because you can sand it.
But that ubiquity means a lot of people are wrestling with the same problem: how to keep stainless steel clean, ward off scratches and keep a notoriously touchy surface factory-fresh.
Deservedly or not, stainless steel has picked up a reputation as something of a dirt magnet.
“It is a surface that requires a certain amount of attention,” said Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman, deputy home editor at Consumer Reports. “A good way to understand that is to go to the appliance section at a store and look at the appliances. And you’ll see they often do have fingerprints all over them.”
If there’s one silver lining to this, it’s that manufacturers of appliances and household cleaning products have heard the concerns and fired back with waves of cleansers, coatings and stainless steel alternatives.
When approaching stainless maintenance, think loosely of your car, said Scott Bennett, kitchen and bath designer at a Kansas City Home Depot.
After all, a lot of the current wave of stainless cleaning products can act a bit like a car wax, Bennett said. One product he recommends is Stainless Steel Magic, which he said minimizes fingerprints and gives a polished look. Simple Green’s Stainless Steel One-Step Cleaner & Polish is another winner, he said, and both cost just a few dollars.
Also similar to car maintenance: Stainless steel responds better to dedicated stainless cleaning products, Bennett said.
“You can use other cleaners or just soap and water,” he said. “But it will probably leave streaks and water spots. If you just take a damp cloth and wipe it down, you’ll have streaks, and you’ll do nothing to prevent fingerprints.”
Others say it comes down to personal preference.
Jeff Adams of the Mop Bucket cleaning-supply store, said if you want a glow, an oil-based stainless steel cleaner is the way to go. But oil-based products can dull as soon as water hits the surface.
For a more natural look, Adams said he prefers non-ammonia glass cleaner or a water-based stainless cleaner.
“It’s not going to give you a great shine, it’s just going to clean it and remove smudges,” he said.
Whatever you use, don’t overdo it, he said. Fingerprints, smeared surfaces and grease buildup come largely from using too much stainless steel cleaner — and the more you use, the more money you’re spending.
Consumer Reports has found few differences among cleaners and recommends consumers pick the least expensive option available, Kuperszmid Lehrman said.
Another cleaning key: Use a lint-free cloth. Paper towels will work fine, but lint-free microfiber probably will produce the best results.
Still too much of a hassle? Consider eschewing stainless altogether in favor of faux-stainless veneers.
Unlike most true stainless-steel refrigerators, they have the benefit of being magnetic (meaning the family fridge can once again become an art display and open-air filing cabinet). And faux-stainless veneers are less expensive than true stainless. That price discrepancy may grow more noticeable in coming years as the prices of raw materials for stainless steel go up.
Still, true uncoated stainless stands head and shoulders above the other options when it comes to scratch repair because you can sand it.
2011年12月1日星期四
European Stocks May Extend Gains
European stocks may open on a firm note Thursday, extending the previous session's relief rally, as the joint central bank action to make more funds available to cash-strapped banks lessened the prospects of further downside risks emanating from the European debt crisis.
Asian stocks soared, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng index climbing more than 5 percent as cheap access to U.S. dollar funding and signals of a shift in policy stance in China outweighed data showing a contraction in Chinese manufacturing activity. The euro gained the most in a month against the dollar as risk appetite returned to markets after the central banks' action.
On the macro economic front, France's unemployment rate increased in the third quarter in line with economists' expectations, data released by the statistical office INSEE showed. The ILO-jobless rate for metropolitan France rose to 9.3 percent from 9.1 percent in the second quarter versus forecasts for an increase to 9.3 percent.
Meanwhile, International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said that the Fund is not in talks over providing loans to troubled Eurozone members Italy and Spain. Speaking at a press conference in Mexico, she said the IMF is ready to help the euro area in its efforts to curb the crisis, but the Fund will also make sure that it has funds for countries outside Europe.
In corporate news, mining giant Rio Tinto has extended its offer to acquire all the common shares of Hathor Exploration for C$4.70 in cash by 10 days to 12 December 2011.
UBS AG said it appointed Philip Lofts as its Group Chief Risk Officer, replacing Maureen Miskovic.
Zurich Financial Services Group said it is on track to reduce run-rate costs by $500 million by 2013 with part of those savings deployed to fund attractive growth opportunities in emerging markets.
Saint-Gobain said that it has finalized the acquisition of Abrasivos Argentinos S.A. and Dancan S.A. in Argentina, together with their subsidiaries in Brazil and Uruguay, specialized in the production of coated abrasives and masking tapes.
German cosmetics giant Beiersdorf unveiled its strategy to lay off about 1000 employees worldwide and strengthen consumer business by focusing more on skin care unit.
Steelmaker Salzgitter AG said its 2011 profit after tax will be about 100 million euros higher as it combined all material domestic group companies into one uniform group for tax purposes.
The U.K.'s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence announced that it has not recommended Novartis AG's multiple sclerosis pill Gilenya for a second time.
Asian stocks soared, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng index climbing more than 5 percent as cheap access to U.S. dollar funding and signals of a shift in policy stance in China outweighed data showing a contraction in Chinese manufacturing activity. The euro gained the most in a month against the dollar as risk appetite returned to markets after the central banks' action.
On the macro economic front, France's unemployment rate increased in the third quarter in line with economists' expectations, data released by the statistical office INSEE showed. The ILO-jobless rate for metropolitan France rose to 9.3 percent from 9.1 percent in the second quarter versus forecasts for an increase to 9.3 percent.
Meanwhile, International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said that the Fund is not in talks over providing loans to troubled Eurozone members Italy and Spain. Speaking at a press conference in Mexico, she said the IMF is ready to help the euro area in its efforts to curb the crisis, but the Fund will also make sure that it has funds for countries outside Europe.
In corporate news, mining giant Rio Tinto has extended its offer to acquire all the common shares of Hathor Exploration for C$4.70 in cash by 10 days to 12 December 2011.
UBS AG said it appointed Philip Lofts as its Group Chief Risk Officer, replacing Maureen Miskovic.
Zurich Financial Services Group said it is on track to reduce run-rate costs by $500 million by 2013 with part of those savings deployed to fund attractive growth opportunities in emerging markets.
Saint-Gobain said that it has finalized the acquisition of Abrasivos Argentinos S.A. and Dancan S.A. in Argentina, together with their subsidiaries in Brazil and Uruguay, specialized in the production of coated abrasives and masking tapes.
German cosmetics giant Beiersdorf unveiled its strategy to lay off about 1000 employees worldwide and strengthen consumer business by focusing more on skin care unit.
Steelmaker Salzgitter AG said its 2011 profit after tax will be about 100 million euros higher as it combined all material domestic group companies into one uniform group for tax purposes.
The U.K.'s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence announced that it has not recommended Novartis AG's multiple sclerosis pill Gilenya for a second time.
2011年11月30日星期三
The Hagen Quartet celebrates three decades of music without concession
Austrian training tells 30-year career at the highest level, between a new approach and a directory intact joy to ride together on stage
A certain presence. In the way you scan, something challenging and caring at a time. The four members of legendary Hagen Quartet took place, lodge, facing four cups of tea that mix their delicate mist. The stage awaits them in just one hour, but Rainer Schmidt, Lukas, Veronika and Clemens Hagen take the time chosen words to trace 30-year career they celebrate this year.
An almost biological siblings, then, but a real clan. Their cohesion breathtaking, last Friday at the Music Room of La Chaux-de-Fonds, in a program Haydn, Bartok and Beethoven. Mainstay of their repertoire, which documents a fifty recordings appeared mostly at Deutsche Grammophon - a label they have left to sign in Myrios Classic, due to artistic differences.
After a concert at the Metropolitan Museum in 1985, the critic of The New York Times had mentioned a "style came from the old world" about this set from a family originally from Salzburg Austria, following the successive departures of Angelika Hagen (now ethnologist) and Annette Bik second fiddle to the desk, the arrival of the German Rainer Schmidt to stabilize the quartet in 1987.
A stylish game, then. But agreed? Surely not. Twenty-five years later, if the Hagen show that takes an instrumental domination of the aristocracy, the way they articulate the musical highlight is a desire to give life again and again their grammar sound. A La Chaux-de-Fonds, their Fourth of Bartók dazzles with its sprays of cool flames, almost abrasive. Haydn (Opus 33 No. 2), treated with virtually no vibrato, has a reflective purity, while the Opus 131 of Beethoven, a heartbreaking intensity, always based on accents, punctuation of the score .
"Yes, we obviously have evolved over the 30 years of working together, confirms the first violinist Lukas Hagen. We are looking more than ever to perceive music as a language in itself, so as not to leave the items metric curb our freedom. "On their anniversary disc, Myrios published by the Hagen play Mozart with a sense of declamation, rhetoric expressed in tiny pulse dynamics, and management of uncomplicated silences. "We wanted to tackle Mozart in a less ideological note Rainer Schmidt. Of course, we were influenced by the Viennese tradition of our masters. But there is no reason to stay stuck in the late eighteenth century. If we consult all possible sources musicological is to transpose in 2011.
A certain presence. In the way you scan, something challenging and caring at a time. The four members of legendary Hagen Quartet took place, lodge, facing four cups of tea that mix their delicate mist. The stage awaits them in just one hour, but Rainer Schmidt, Lukas, Veronika and Clemens Hagen take the time chosen words to trace 30-year career they celebrate this year.
An almost biological siblings, then, but a real clan. Their cohesion breathtaking, last Friday at the Music Room of La Chaux-de-Fonds, in a program Haydn, Bartok and Beethoven. Mainstay of their repertoire, which documents a fifty recordings appeared mostly at Deutsche Grammophon - a label they have left to sign in Myrios Classic, due to artistic differences.
After a concert at the Metropolitan Museum in 1985, the critic of The New York Times had mentioned a "style came from the old world" about this set from a family originally from Salzburg Austria, following the successive departures of Angelika Hagen (now ethnologist) and Annette Bik second fiddle to the desk, the arrival of the German Rainer Schmidt to stabilize the quartet in 1987.
A stylish game, then. But agreed? Surely not. Twenty-five years later, if the Hagen show that takes an instrumental domination of the aristocracy, the way they articulate the musical highlight is a desire to give life again and again their grammar sound. A La Chaux-de-Fonds, their Fourth of Bartók dazzles with its sprays of cool flames, almost abrasive. Haydn (Opus 33 No. 2), treated with virtually no vibrato, has a reflective purity, while the Opus 131 of Beethoven, a heartbreaking intensity, always based on accents, punctuation of the score .
"Yes, we obviously have evolved over the 30 years of working together, confirms the first violinist Lukas Hagen. We are looking more than ever to perceive music as a language in itself, so as not to leave the items metric curb our freedom. "On their anniversary disc, Myrios published by the Hagen play Mozart with a sense of declamation, rhetoric expressed in tiny pulse dynamics, and management of uncomplicated silences. "We wanted to tackle Mozart in a less ideological note Rainer Schmidt. Of course, we were influenced by the Viennese tradition of our masters. But there is no reason to stay stuck in the late eighteenth century. If we consult all possible sources musicological is to transpose in 2011.
2011年11月29日星期二
Carborundum forms 51:49 refractory JV with Israel firm
Country’s leading manufacturer of abrasives and industrial ceramics Carborundum Universal, a part of Chennai-based Murugappa Group, has formed a joint venture with Israel-based Cellaris for the refractory business. It would be a 51:49 joint venture, with Carborundum holding 51 per cent and Cellaris picking up the rest.
“We got the approval to set up a joint venture with the Israeli company Cellaris at the Cochin SEZ, owned by CUMI. This JV will produce fibre refractory,” according to K Srinivasan, managing director of Carborundum Universal.
Fibre refractory will be a special grade of refractory, which has in its terms of thermal ability as good a property as a fibre, but in dimensional stability it’s like a fired product. It is first of its kind raw material and the company expects to see this working by the second half of 2012. The end-user segment will be the refractory manufacturers, who will be using the same as input or raw material.
The JV has planned to make an investment of Rs 15 crore initially. The plant in its present form actually was operational and existing in Israel. After the formation of JV, the plant in Israel has been dismantled and will be brought to its Cochin SEZ for re-commissioning.
“We would prefer calling this technology demonstrator plan in the first stage, so it would not be a great turnover, even if you run the plant flat off we will do less than Rs 10 crore. But once we stabilise and run it, we will scale up and go for a larger scale commercial plant,” said Srinivasan.
The refractory business comes under company’s ceramics division, which comprises both industrial ceramics and refractories. This division’s business caters to wide a variety of industries including healthcare, metals, food processing, cement, and electricity transmission, among others.
“We got the approval to set up a joint venture with the Israeli company Cellaris at the Cochin SEZ, owned by CUMI. This JV will produce fibre refractory,” according to K Srinivasan, managing director of Carborundum Universal.
Fibre refractory will be a special grade of refractory, which has in its terms of thermal ability as good a property as a fibre, but in dimensional stability it’s like a fired product. It is first of its kind raw material and the company expects to see this working by the second half of 2012. The end-user segment will be the refractory manufacturers, who will be using the same as input or raw material.
The JV has planned to make an investment of Rs 15 crore initially. The plant in its present form actually was operational and existing in Israel. After the formation of JV, the plant in Israel has been dismantled and will be brought to its Cochin SEZ for re-commissioning.
“We would prefer calling this technology demonstrator plan in the first stage, so it would not be a great turnover, even if you run the plant flat off we will do less than Rs 10 crore. But once we stabilise and run it, we will scale up and go for a larger scale commercial plant,” said Srinivasan.
The refractory business comes under company’s ceramics division, which comprises both industrial ceramics and refractories. This division’s business caters to wide a variety of industries including healthcare, metals, food processing, cement, and electricity transmission, among others.
2011年11月28日星期一
Made in the Mid-Willamette Valley
Fujimi Corporation is a manufacturer of fine powder abrasives, polishes and slurries for industries including semiconductors, solar, electronics, and optics. Drawing on its precision grinding and grading technologies, and chemical formulation experience, the company offers products for polishing silicon wafers and other semiconductor substrates, as well as chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) products required for multilayered circuits on semiconductor chips, and abrasives and slurries for producing computer hard disks. Recently, the company has expanded into new fields, commercializing products for cermet (ceramic metallic composite) thermal and plasma spray materials with dramatically improved impact resistance. Fujimi Corporation also conducts research in abrasive recycling and conversion of abrasives into energy saving materials as well as understanding its role in reducing CO2 and conserving energy. Fujimi Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujimi Incorporated in Nagoya, Japan, and operates two facilities in Tualatin and Wilsonville.
Business history: Fujimi Incorporated (originally Fujimi Abrasives) was founded in Nagoya, Japan, and started production of synthetic precision abrasives in 1950. In 1994, Fujimi America Inc. started as a manufacturing facility in Wilsonville. Fujimi America Inc. (manufacturing organization) and Fujimi Corporation (sales organization) merged under the name Fujimi Corporation in 2003. This year, Fujimi Corporation opened the New Business Development group focusing on utilizing the company's core competencies to expand new product offerings.
Business Specialties: Fujimi Corporation is focused on producing lapping abrasives for silicon wafer polishing and glass products and polishing compounds and slurries for CMP. We have expertise in wet classification, milling, dispersion technologies, colloidal science, formulation of slurries and manufacturing to the standards of the high technology industry.
What is biggest advantage of doing business in the Mid-Willamette Valley? The strategic location for a company doing business within high tech should be selected based on location to the customer, local expertise in science and manufacturing, and cost. The Willamette Valley sits in the heart of the Silicon Forest, offers a pool of scientists who enjoy living in the area and is more affordable than other parts of the country.
The best way to stay competitive: We believe that the best way to stay competitive is by offering consistently high quality products through efficient manufacturing, R&D support, and exceeding our customers' expectations.
What is most challenging in work? The most challenging aspect of our work is keeping pace with the changing demands of the market place and our customers. While our customers may change their requirements, they still expect us to provide the same high standard and consistent quality, which Fujimi is known for. As products become commoditized and the market is flooded by cheaper offerings from abroad, Fujimi focuses on creating value. As a result, the company created the New Business Development (NBD) group. NBD is dedicated to investing new opportunities that are unique to Fujimi's expertise.
What trends do you see happening in your industry? The global abrasives market is greatly influenced by economic and technological trends across the regions of the world. For example, the U.S. market for manufactured abrasives such as silicon carbide mainly hinges upon the demand from the manufacturing activities in the aerospace, steel, automotive, housing and furniture industries. With China emerging as a prominent player in silicon carbide and fused aluminum oxide, Europe and North America are expected to witness declines in abrasives production over the next few years. On the upside, Fujimi has facilities and expertise to support a range of new products and applications from OEM and contract manufacturing to generating IP and conducting core research.
Business history: Fujimi Incorporated (originally Fujimi Abrasives) was founded in Nagoya, Japan, and started production of synthetic precision abrasives in 1950. In 1994, Fujimi America Inc. started as a manufacturing facility in Wilsonville. Fujimi America Inc. (manufacturing organization) and Fujimi Corporation (sales organization) merged under the name Fujimi Corporation in 2003. This year, Fujimi Corporation opened the New Business Development group focusing on utilizing the company's core competencies to expand new product offerings.
Business Specialties: Fujimi Corporation is focused on producing lapping abrasives for silicon wafer polishing and glass products and polishing compounds and slurries for CMP. We have expertise in wet classification, milling, dispersion technologies, colloidal science, formulation of slurries and manufacturing to the standards of the high technology industry.
What is biggest advantage of doing business in the Mid-Willamette Valley? The strategic location for a company doing business within high tech should be selected based on location to the customer, local expertise in science and manufacturing, and cost. The Willamette Valley sits in the heart of the Silicon Forest, offers a pool of scientists who enjoy living in the area and is more affordable than other parts of the country.
The best way to stay competitive: We believe that the best way to stay competitive is by offering consistently high quality products through efficient manufacturing, R&D support, and exceeding our customers' expectations.
What is most challenging in work? The most challenging aspect of our work is keeping pace with the changing demands of the market place and our customers. While our customers may change their requirements, they still expect us to provide the same high standard and consistent quality, which Fujimi is known for. As products become commoditized and the market is flooded by cheaper offerings from abroad, Fujimi focuses on creating value. As a result, the company created the New Business Development (NBD) group. NBD is dedicated to investing new opportunities that are unique to Fujimi's expertise.
What trends do you see happening in your industry? The global abrasives market is greatly influenced by economic and technological trends across the regions of the world. For example, the U.S. market for manufactured abrasives such as silicon carbide mainly hinges upon the demand from the manufacturing activities in the aerospace, steel, automotive, housing and furniture industries. With China emerging as a prominent player in silicon carbide and fused aluminum oxide, Europe and North America are expected to witness declines in abrasives production over the next few years. On the upside, Fujimi has facilities and expertise to support a range of new products and applications from OEM and contract manufacturing to generating IP and conducting core research.
2011年11月27日星期日
White County Abrasives gets national attention
White County Abrasives and Industrial Supply Inc., of Carmi has won national attention.
The business was featured in a main story of a recent issue of FF Journal, a trade publication that features information on metal fabricating and forming technologies.
The business is owned by Jim and Penny Lindley, with Penny having the majority of the stock in the business, making it a minority-owned business.
Jim is a native of northeastern Mississippi and Penny is a native of southern Wisconsin. The two met on a tour at Disney World. Later, while riding their touring motorcycle through Carmi on a long ride, they stopped here for a break.
"We got to looking around and really just thought it was a nice area," Jim said. "It was about halfway between my family and her family and just seemed like a good place to settle."
That was in 1988. The two now share a 12-year-old daughter and a grown son and have exceeded $1 million in sales with their 20-year-old business.
For the last 15 years, the business has been an authorized Scotchman industrial equipment dealer -- it is now one of the top-10 Scotchman dealers in the U.S. Jim said he has probably sold 300 of the units over the years and, more recently, has sold about seven such pieces to Elastec/American Marine, also based in Carmi.
The business sells welding and industrial equipment in Southern Illinois, southern Indiana and western Kentucky. It provides hand tools, grinders, heavy drills and many other items to area farmers, coal mines and auto body shops, to mention just a few of the types of business supplied.
The business has one employee, Grayville native Ray Sanders, who now lives in Carmi.
The business was featured in a main story of a recent issue of FF Journal, a trade publication that features information on metal fabricating and forming technologies.
The business is owned by Jim and Penny Lindley, with Penny having the majority of the stock in the business, making it a minority-owned business.
Jim is a native of northeastern Mississippi and Penny is a native of southern Wisconsin. The two met on a tour at Disney World. Later, while riding their touring motorcycle through Carmi on a long ride, they stopped here for a break.
"We got to looking around and really just thought it was a nice area," Jim said. "It was about halfway between my family and her family and just seemed like a good place to settle."
That was in 1988. The two now share a 12-year-old daughter and a grown son and have exceeded $1 million in sales with their 20-year-old business.
For the last 15 years, the business has been an authorized Scotchman industrial equipment dealer -- it is now one of the top-10 Scotchman dealers in the U.S. Jim said he has probably sold 300 of the units over the years and, more recently, has sold about seven such pieces to Elastec/American Marine, also based in Carmi.
The business sells welding and industrial equipment in Southern Illinois, southern Indiana and western Kentucky. It provides hand tools, grinders, heavy drills and many other items to area farmers, coal mines and auto body shops, to mention just a few of the types of business supplied.
The business has one employee, Grayville native Ray Sanders, who now lives in Carmi.
2011年11月24日星期四
Certain foods linked to tooth stains
Britons who wish to keep their teeth free from stains should consider avoiding certain foods, an expert has claimed.
Karen Coates, an adviser at the British Dental Health Foundation, said that people should avoid sugary foods, hard sweets and drinks such as cola.
'Eating or drinking any highly coloured foods or drinks, such as curries, red wine, tea or coffee, can stain the teeth too,' she advised.
Ms Coates also urged people to avoid smoking, as this can lead to stained teeth as well as being bad for overall health.
The advice came after experts at Wake Forest Baptist Health and the American Dental Hygienists Association warned that while bleaching is effective at whitening teeth, it can cause short-term side-effects, including sensitivity.
Commenting on the use of tooth whitening systems, Ms Coates said that people should only ever get this done by dental professionals.
Those who choose to use a home kit should ensure it bears the British Dental Health Foundation's approved logo, as this confirms that the product does not contain harmful acids and abrasives.
Karen Coates, an adviser at the British Dental Health Foundation, said that people should avoid sugary foods, hard sweets and drinks such as cola.
'Eating or drinking any highly coloured foods or drinks, such as curries, red wine, tea or coffee, can stain the teeth too,' she advised.
Ms Coates also urged people to avoid smoking, as this can lead to stained teeth as well as being bad for overall health.
The advice came after experts at Wake Forest Baptist Health and the American Dental Hygienists Association warned that while bleaching is effective at whitening teeth, it can cause short-term side-effects, including sensitivity.
Commenting on the use of tooth whitening systems, Ms Coates said that people should only ever get this done by dental professionals.
Those who choose to use a home kit should ensure it bears the British Dental Health Foundation's approved logo, as this confirms that the product does not contain harmful acids and abrasives.
2011年11月23日星期三
3M Gulf Announces Participation at The Big 5 2011
3M's presence at The Big 5 will witness the launch of two innovative products, 3M Cubitron II and 3M Scotch-Weld as part of the company's adhesives and abrasives range of products respectively. Besides these, 3M will also exhibit its range of Safety and Sun Control Films at the event.
Commenting on 3M Gulf's participation at The Big 5 2011, Fadi Medlej, Country Business Leader 3M Industrial and Transportation said, "Our key objective of participating at The Big 5 is to present 3M's innovative solutions that find many applications in the building and construction industry".
He further added, "3MThe Cubitron II and 3MScotch-Weld products have set high benchmarks as preferred abrasive and adhesive applications for the construction industry worldwide and 3M Gulf is now introducing these products for its customers across the Middle East region".
With decades of experience in ceramic, abrasive and micro replication technologies, 3M has literally reinvented abrasives with 3M Cubitron II Products. Starting with a patented, precision-shaped ceramic abrasive grain, 3M engineers found a way to electrostatically orient each triangular structure to maximize cutting potential.
As a resultant of this, each individual precision-shaped ceramic grain acts like a cutting tool, slicing through metal like a knife, and continuously self-sharpens as points break off. This allows 3M Cubitron II Belts and Discs to run cooler and keep on working, long after conventional abrasives have dulled, shelled, glazed over and been tossed out.
The 3M Scotch-Weld structured adhesives have been recognized as one of the most powerful adhesive amongst 3M's incredible range of tapes and adhesives, with the toughened family having the highest overall strength, impact resistance and durability.
Among the first 3M engineering adhesives, 3M Structural adhesives have continually improved. From the original rigid line, to flexible, and then toughened formulations that have met changing design and production requirements for industries ranging from aerospace and appliances to sporting goods and electronics.
Now, the Structural Adhesive line is re-energized with evolution and revolution in the 2-part toughened family which offers the highest shear and peel strength combinations for durability in the toughest environments which enhances production that saves time, labor, and overall cost.
Besides showcasing its differentiated industrial portfolio, 3M exhibit at the event will also display its safety and sun control films which have proven to be a highly effective energy saver and a strong protection against harmful UV rays.
Recommended by The Global Skin Cancer Foundation, 3M's building sun control films have been providing protection and comfort to occupants in buildings for over 40 years. These superior films block out almost 100 percent of UV rays from sunlight streaming in through windows. The advanced technology used in 3M sun control films also reduce the heat and glare inside the buildings thereby increasing the comfort of occupants in the buildings without compromising visibility. 3M is the inventor of the Sun Control technology.
3M Building solar control films are endorsed by Energy Star and LEED.3M Ultra and SH series of safety films are often specified by leading consultants for protecting key government and financial institutions of high importance and security.
"For over four decades, 3M has been innovating superior building sun control solutions to protect and enhance the quality of lives for citizens in over 65 countries. The range is a one of a kind set of products which not only enhances the lifestyle quotient of the consumer but also effectively shields the end user from harmful ultra violet and infrared rays", continued Medlej.
Commenting on 3M Gulf's participation at The Big 5 2011, Fadi Medlej, Country Business Leader 3M Industrial and Transportation said, "Our key objective of participating at The Big 5 is to present 3M's innovative solutions that find many applications in the building and construction industry".
He further added, "3MThe Cubitron II and 3MScotch-Weld products have set high benchmarks as preferred abrasive and adhesive applications for the construction industry worldwide and 3M Gulf is now introducing these products for its customers across the Middle East region".
With decades of experience in ceramic, abrasive and micro replication technologies, 3M has literally reinvented abrasives with 3M Cubitron II Products. Starting with a patented, precision-shaped ceramic abrasive grain, 3M engineers found a way to electrostatically orient each triangular structure to maximize cutting potential.
As a resultant of this, each individual precision-shaped ceramic grain acts like a cutting tool, slicing through metal like a knife, and continuously self-sharpens as points break off. This allows 3M Cubitron II Belts and Discs to run cooler and keep on working, long after conventional abrasives have dulled, shelled, glazed over and been tossed out.
The 3M Scotch-Weld structured adhesives have been recognized as one of the most powerful adhesive amongst 3M's incredible range of tapes and adhesives, with the toughened family having the highest overall strength, impact resistance and durability.
Among the first 3M engineering adhesives, 3M Structural adhesives have continually improved. From the original rigid line, to flexible, and then toughened formulations that have met changing design and production requirements for industries ranging from aerospace and appliances to sporting goods and electronics.
Now, the Structural Adhesive line is re-energized with evolution and revolution in the 2-part toughened family which offers the highest shear and peel strength combinations for durability in the toughest environments which enhances production that saves time, labor, and overall cost.
Besides showcasing its differentiated industrial portfolio, 3M exhibit at the event will also display its safety and sun control films which have proven to be a highly effective energy saver and a strong protection against harmful UV rays.
Recommended by The Global Skin Cancer Foundation, 3M's building sun control films have been providing protection and comfort to occupants in buildings for over 40 years. These superior films block out almost 100 percent of UV rays from sunlight streaming in through windows. The advanced technology used in 3M sun control films also reduce the heat and glare inside the buildings thereby increasing the comfort of occupants in the buildings without compromising visibility. 3M is the inventor of the Sun Control technology.
3M Building solar control films are endorsed by Energy Star and LEED.3M Ultra and SH series of safety films are often specified by leading consultants for protecting key government and financial institutions of high importance and security.
"For over four decades, 3M has been innovating superior building sun control solutions to protect and enhance the quality of lives for citizens in over 65 countries. The range is a one of a kind set of products which not only enhances the lifestyle quotient of the consumer but also effectively shields the end user from harmful ultra violet and infrared rays", continued Medlej.
2011年11月22日星期二
Nine New Vendors Introduced at Linde Distributor Association Meeting
Nine new vendors participated in a trade show for the more than 40 industrial gas distributors who attended the 16th annual meeting of the Linde Distributor Association (LDA) held in Las Vegas, Nevada in late October. The annual meeting provides the opportunity for LDA members to share ideas for business improvement and to network with preferred vendors.
The trade show event allowed the new vendors to introduce their products and services to LDA distributors, as well as to discuss individual member company needs. The new vendors are: Aztec Coatings, B & R Compliance Associates, Chart Industries, Cyl-Tec, Dynaflux, Gas Innovations, H & H Sales, Norris Cylinders and Safe-T-Cart.
During the two-day meeting, 18 vendors participated in breakout sessions to discuss product lines, promote rebate programs and introduce special sales available only to meeting attendees.
Terry Hall, LDA co-chairman and Linde distributor consultant, opened the meeting with a brief history of the LDA and how it has evolved into one of the largest buying groups in the U.S industrial gases industry. Hall also welcomed the nine new vendors, several of whom provide marketing and other business services. "We're very excited to add these new suppliers to our list of preferred vendors. They expand LDA's offering to member companies beyond the traditional welding and gases equipment. This is good for the LDA, good for the vendors and good for Linde."
Bob VanKirk, head of key customers and distributors for Linde North America, spoke to the group about Linde's business and product supply and opportunities presented by the mid-market business segment in the U.S. "These companies have annual revenues between $50 million and $1billion and are the engines of economic growth and employment. They represent a huge growth potential for our distributors."
Since its inception in 1993, LDA has enabled independent distributors to leverage the purchasing power of an association to achieve volume discounts and earn rebates. Linde North America, a member of The Linde Group, a world-leading gases and engineering company, provides administrative support to the LDA.
LDA has 70 member companies who have over 400 retail locations throughout the U.S. Together, LDA members have made over $1 billion in annual purchases and have earned some $25 million in rebates since the group was established. Products purchased include welding and cutting equipment, consumables, and gas containment and handling equipment.
Based on service, delivery and sales communication, Direct Wire and Cable, Inc., of Denver, Pennsylvania, was chosen vendor of the year for the second year in a row. The company manufactures welding cable, custom welding cable assemblies with connectors and power products.
This year's LDA meeting was sponsored by preferred vendors Aztec Coatings, Bernard, B & R Compliance Associates, Chart Industries, Cryovation, Direct Wire and Cable, Dynaflux, Flame Technologies, Gas Innovations, H & H Sales, Hypertherm, Metabo, Norris Cylinders, Norton Abrasives, ORS Nasco, Ratermann Manufacturing, Safe-T-Cart, Smith Equipment Company, Thermal Dynamics, John Tillman Company, Tweco/Arcair, Victor Equipment Company, Washington Alloys, Weldcote Metals, Weldcraft, Worthington Industries and 3M Hornell.
The Linde Group is a world-leading gases and engineering company with around 50,000 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. In the 2010 financial year, it achieved sales of EUR 12.9 billion (USD 17.9 billion). The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services.
The trade show event allowed the new vendors to introduce their products and services to LDA distributors, as well as to discuss individual member company needs. The new vendors are: Aztec Coatings, B & R Compliance Associates, Chart Industries, Cyl-Tec, Dynaflux, Gas Innovations, H & H Sales, Norris Cylinders and Safe-T-Cart.
During the two-day meeting, 18 vendors participated in breakout sessions to discuss product lines, promote rebate programs and introduce special sales available only to meeting attendees.
Terry Hall, LDA co-chairman and Linde distributor consultant, opened the meeting with a brief history of the LDA and how it has evolved into one of the largest buying groups in the U.S industrial gases industry. Hall also welcomed the nine new vendors, several of whom provide marketing and other business services. "We're very excited to add these new suppliers to our list of preferred vendors. They expand LDA's offering to member companies beyond the traditional welding and gases equipment. This is good for the LDA, good for the vendors and good for Linde."
Bob VanKirk, head of key customers and distributors for Linde North America, spoke to the group about Linde's business and product supply and opportunities presented by the mid-market business segment in the U.S. "These companies have annual revenues between $50 million and $1billion and are the engines of economic growth and employment. They represent a huge growth potential for our distributors."
Since its inception in 1993, LDA has enabled independent distributors to leverage the purchasing power of an association to achieve volume discounts and earn rebates. Linde North America, a member of The Linde Group, a world-leading gases and engineering company, provides administrative support to the LDA.
LDA has 70 member companies who have over 400 retail locations throughout the U.S. Together, LDA members have made over $1 billion in annual purchases and have earned some $25 million in rebates since the group was established. Products purchased include welding and cutting equipment, consumables, and gas containment and handling equipment.
Based on service, delivery and sales communication, Direct Wire and Cable, Inc., of Denver, Pennsylvania, was chosen vendor of the year for the second year in a row. The company manufactures welding cable, custom welding cable assemblies with connectors and power products.
This year's LDA meeting was sponsored by preferred vendors Aztec Coatings, Bernard, B & R Compliance Associates, Chart Industries, Cryovation, Direct Wire and Cable, Dynaflux, Flame Technologies, Gas Innovations, H & H Sales, Hypertherm, Metabo, Norris Cylinders, Norton Abrasives, ORS Nasco, Ratermann Manufacturing, Safe-T-Cart, Smith Equipment Company, Thermal Dynamics, John Tillman Company, Tweco/Arcair, Victor Equipment Company, Washington Alloys, Weldcote Metals, Weldcraft, Worthington Industries and 3M Hornell.
The Linde Group is a world-leading gases and engineering company with around 50,000 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. In the 2010 financial year, it achieved sales of EUR 12.9 billion (USD 17.9 billion). The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services.
2011年11月21日星期一
Canada's chronic asbestos problem
Or a place of modest size, Asbestos has made an impressive imprint on the Canadian psyche. In 1949, the Asbestos Strike—which took place at the mines in Asbestos and nearby Thetford Mines—helped to usher in the Quiet Revolution that shaped the modern Quebec. And in 2011, the place’s eponymous product is giving a black eye to Canada’s international reputation as a fair dealer.
Most of the world, including the medical community, agrees that asbestos is desperately dangerous. The World Health Organization reports that more than 100,000 people die every year from lung cancer and other respiratory diseases due to asbestos exposure. And many more will die, because 125 million people are exposed to asbestos in their workplaces today and every day.
No surprise, then, that the stuff is effectively banned in Canada. And a surprise, to observers, that Canada exports it to other countries, most notoriously India, where public-health regimes are less vigorous than in Canada.
But that fact is no more mysterious than two forces that are as well known in India as they are in Canada. One is the power of supply and demand. The other is the vacuum of political indifference.
The industry has seen better days. There are just two mines remaining in Quebec’s asbestos belt. The Jeffrey Mine in Asbestos is in semi-operational stasis while it awaits refinancing. According to some reports, the LAB Chrysotile mine in Thetford Mines will, by the time you read this, have stopped churning out the piles of tailings that define the town’s appearance. (“Chrysotile” is the recent rebranding of the white asbestos that the region produces.)
By any measure, it is weird geography. The huge open-pit mines were once the largest pits in the Western hemisphere. The massive rounded hills of tailings seem to have been dropped onto the landscape from above. Except for the trucks spiralling ever downward in the pits, you might figure you’re on the moon.
Over the years, the overburden of rock waste has acquired a rough patina of vegetation. But on the tailings, which is the fine gravel left after the rock has been crushed and the asbestos extracted, there is little sign of life. Some of the piles date from the first mines, more than a century ago.
Luc Berthold, the cheerful mayor of Thetford Mines, seems oblivious to the moonscape. In response to a recent report on local health risks posed by asbestos, the mayor said that no, the municipality would not fence off the tailings to stop young people from using them as an ATV playground. The mayor did concede, however, that the town would cease using the mine residue as a substitute for salt and sand on winter roads.
Defensive about his town’s reputation, Berthold told a Montreal reporter that the effect of asbestos dust on health pales compared to that of smog in Montreal. In the anteroom to Berthold’s office, piles of glossy flyers promote asbestos’s “safe and irreplaceable fibres,” with charts proving that tobacco and highway accidents are thousands of times more dangerous than asbestos in schools.
It’s hard to blame the place for this attitude. After all, it wouldn’t exist without the strange fibre that a farmer named Joseph Fecteau stumbled upon in 1876. He’d hit a rich vein of asbestos, long known in Europe as a miraculous substance that could not be burned or damaged by fire. Within a few years, the Thetford area was the asbestos capital of the world, and Quebeckers called the fibres white gold.
Asbestos was soon everywhere, in houses, in factories, in cars, in thousands upon thousands of industrial and household products—all kinds of insulation as well as everything from brake pads to paint, cement, siding, shingles, pipes, ceiling and floor tiles, clutch facings, even crayons.
Most of the world, including the medical community, agrees that asbestos is desperately dangerous. The World Health Organization reports that more than 100,000 people die every year from lung cancer and other respiratory diseases due to asbestos exposure. And many more will die, because 125 million people are exposed to asbestos in their workplaces today and every day.
No surprise, then, that the stuff is effectively banned in Canada. And a surprise, to observers, that Canada exports it to other countries, most notoriously India, where public-health regimes are less vigorous than in Canada.
But that fact is no more mysterious than two forces that are as well known in India as they are in Canada. One is the power of supply and demand. The other is the vacuum of political indifference.
The industry has seen better days. There are just two mines remaining in Quebec’s asbestos belt. The Jeffrey Mine in Asbestos is in semi-operational stasis while it awaits refinancing. According to some reports, the LAB Chrysotile mine in Thetford Mines will, by the time you read this, have stopped churning out the piles of tailings that define the town’s appearance. (“Chrysotile” is the recent rebranding of the white asbestos that the region produces.)
By any measure, it is weird geography. The huge open-pit mines were once the largest pits in the Western hemisphere. The massive rounded hills of tailings seem to have been dropped onto the landscape from above. Except for the trucks spiralling ever downward in the pits, you might figure you’re on the moon.
Over the years, the overburden of rock waste has acquired a rough patina of vegetation. But on the tailings, which is the fine gravel left after the rock has been crushed and the asbestos extracted, there is little sign of life. Some of the piles date from the first mines, more than a century ago.
Luc Berthold, the cheerful mayor of Thetford Mines, seems oblivious to the moonscape. In response to a recent report on local health risks posed by asbestos, the mayor said that no, the municipality would not fence off the tailings to stop young people from using them as an ATV playground. The mayor did concede, however, that the town would cease using the mine residue as a substitute for salt and sand on winter roads.
Defensive about his town’s reputation, Berthold told a Montreal reporter that the effect of asbestos dust on health pales compared to that of smog in Montreal. In the anteroom to Berthold’s office, piles of glossy flyers promote asbestos’s “safe and irreplaceable fibres,” with charts proving that tobacco and highway accidents are thousands of times more dangerous than asbestos in schools.
It’s hard to blame the place for this attitude. After all, it wouldn’t exist without the strange fibre that a farmer named Joseph Fecteau stumbled upon in 1876. He’d hit a rich vein of asbestos, long known in Europe as a miraculous substance that could not be burned or damaged by fire. Within a few years, the Thetford area was the asbestos capital of the world, and Quebeckers called the fibres white gold.
Asbestos was soon everywhere, in houses, in factories, in cars, in thousands upon thousands of industrial and household products—all kinds of insulation as well as everything from brake pads to paint, cement, siding, shingles, pipes, ceiling and floor tiles, clutch facings, even crayons.
2011年11月20日星期日
Net key part of catch-and-release fishing
Whether you like it or not, catch-and-release fishing is becoming more commonplace.
In some cases, fish must be released in order to comply with regulations; in others anglers voluntarily release some, if not most, of the fish they catch so they and other anglers have a chance to catch that fish again — hopefully when it's larger.
Of course, catch-and-release is not going to benefit any angler or the fish itself if it doesn't survive. It seems to me it is downright negligent and disrespectful both to the fish and the resource to not be properly prepared to handle fish in the best way possible.
There was a time when I would have told you the last thing you should do with a fish that might be released is put it in a landing net. Back in the day, landing nets typically were made of nylon or similar materials that were very abrasive to the fins and slime coating of fish. Many excellent landing nets are available now, however, and every angler should have a modern, quality landing net — they make great Christmas gifts, by the way.
With a landing net, anglers can quickly control a fish and the fish can be left in the water while hooks are removed and a camera is readied if you want a photo of your catch. By using a quality landing net, the landing, handling and release of a fish can be accomplished as quickly as possible, with the fish spending the least amount of time out of the water as possible.
It's the fastest, safest way to handle fish for both the fish and angler.
It has to be the right type of landing net, however, and I am a huge fan of the rubber-mesh landing nets: The rubber mesh is easy on the fish, causes relatively little damage to fins and slime coats, and removing hooks from rubber mesh nets is relatively easy.
Many landing nets on the market are made specifically for catch-and-release fishing. These nets typically are oversized, may have flat bottoms that allow fish to lie horizontally and usually have a mesh that is coated with rubber or similar material to make it less abrasive.
One final comment about using a landing net: Do not chase the fish with the net. Wait until the fish is ready to be netted, then place the net in the water and lead the fish into it headfirst. If a fish is not controlled and guided into the net, hooks can get tangled in the net before the fish is completely in it.
In some cases, fish must be released in order to comply with regulations; in others anglers voluntarily release some, if not most, of the fish they catch so they and other anglers have a chance to catch that fish again — hopefully when it's larger.
Of course, catch-and-release is not going to benefit any angler or the fish itself if it doesn't survive. It seems to me it is downright negligent and disrespectful both to the fish and the resource to not be properly prepared to handle fish in the best way possible.
There was a time when I would have told you the last thing you should do with a fish that might be released is put it in a landing net. Back in the day, landing nets typically were made of nylon or similar materials that were very abrasive to the fins and slime coating of fish. Many excellent landing nets are available now, however, and every angler should have a modern, quality landing net — they make great Christmas gifts, by the way.
With a landing net, anglers can quickly control a fish and the fish can be left in the water while hooks are removed and a camera is readied if you want a photo of your catch. By using a quality landing net, the landing, handling and release of a fish can be accomplished as quickly as possible, with the fish spending the least amount of time out of the water as possible.
It's the fastest, safest way to handle fish for both the fish and angler.
It has to be the right type of landing net, however, and I am a huge fan of the rubber-mesh landing nets: The rubber mesh is easy on the fish, causes relatively little damage to fins and slime coats, and removing hooks from rubber mesh nets is relatively easy.
Many landing nets on the market are made specifically for catch-and-release fishing. These nets typically are oversized, may have flat bottoms that allow fish to lie horizontally and usually have a mesh that is coated with rubber or similar material to make it less abrasive.
One final comment about using a landing net: Do not chase the fish with the net. Wait until the fish is ready to be netted, then place the net in the water and lead the fish into it headfirst. If a fish is not controlled and guided into the net, hooks can get tangled in the net before the fish is completely in it.
2011年11月17日星期四
Too Many Toxins, Too Few Nutrients
Think back – when was the last time you had a headache? Stomach ache? Skin or rash outbreak? Felt depressed or anxious? How about itchy, watery eyes from all the seasonal allergies? Oftentimes it's easy to pinpoint patients with life-threatening or debilitating diseases such as cancer, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's and offer them additional help.
However, it's important to remember those who are just showing signs of suboptimal health. The largest part of my practice is made up of patients who suffer from the symptoms listed above. They come in seeking help for depression, chronic fatigue and allergies. And it's important to advertise that you can help!
The body is made up of essentials and non-essentials. Your heart, lungs and brain – these are all essential to life and the body will send every available nutrient and protective means to these items first. Everything else – skin, fingernails, hair, eyes, etc., you can survive without, so the body will not bother protecting and sending nutrients to these areas if either something else is going on in your body that is more urgent or you are simply taking in too few nutrients to allow the body to function optimally.
A 2005 survey found that nearly 60 percent of U.S. adults took a medication in the previous week for symptoms ranging from pain to high cholesterol to cancer.1 Anti-depressants are particularly popular with women. In 1994, 2.3 percent of women in the U.S. were on an antidepressant; by 2008 that number had jumped to nearly 13 percent. Sadly, for women between the ages of 45-64, almost one in four were on antidepressants as of 2008.2
What these individuals might not realize is that there may be a more natural option. Prescriptions are not necessarily the only answer. One of my patients came to the office for a consultation with a plethora of "nuisance" symptoms. When I entered the room, the patient looked like she was in good health – she acted very pleasant, her hair and make-up had been done and she appeared to be very well-balanced mentally. It was only after she asked for help that I discovered the following: At just 33 years old, she suffered from almost-daily mood swings, depression, hot and cold flashes, excessive hunger and weight gain, acne, low energy, frequent headaches, chronic infections and constipation. She said she felt "somewhat crazy" and "not like herself." At night she woke 3-4 times in a panic with severe night sweats. At the time of the initial visit, she weighed 144 lbs at 5'3" and her blood pressure was 100/70.
You could not tell that this patient suffered from all of the above-mentioned symptoms just by looking at her. How many of your patients appear to be in good health? Next time they enter your office, ask – you may be surprised by how many pre-existing patients could use your help for something other than a chiropractic adjustment.
Before seeking my help, the patient had been to her medical doctor, who diagnosed her with general anxiety disorder (GAD) and prescribed five different medications to control her anxiety, depression, headaches and constipation. After three months of no relief, she was ready for a second opinion. While the medical community will quickly offer drugs to mask each symptom, I chose a more inquisitive approach and ran a series of comprehensive tests to try and find what underlying causes or deficiencies were causing these symptoms. Her quality of life had been seriously altered by these issues and perhaps signalled more serious developing problems.
Her bloodwork showed an interesting trend. Tests of her kidneys, liver, metabolic panel, glucose, vitamin D, lipids, etc., were all just slightly too high or low for optimal health. While very few were outside the clinical reference ranges used by medical doctors, they were outside what I call the "healthy range," which is a stricter guideline for each test used to detect progression toward disease What this means is that she was on the verge of developing some serious medical problems.
However, it's important to remember those who are just showing signs of suboptimal health. The largest part of my practice is made up of patients who suffer from the symptoms listed above. They come in seeking help for depression, chronic fatigue and allergies. And it's important to advertise that you can help!
The body is made up of essentials and non-essentials. Your heart, lungs and brain – these are all essential to life and the body will send every available nutrient and protective means to these items first. Everything else – skin, fingernails, hair, eyes, etc., you can survive without, so the body will not bother protecting and sending nutrients to these areas if either something else is going on in your body that is more urgent or you are simply taking in too few nutrients to allow the body to function optimally.
A 2005 survey found that nearly 60 percent of U.S. adults took a medication in the previous week for symptoms ranging from pain to high cholesterol to cancer.1 Anti-depressants are particularly popular with women. In 1994, 2.3 percent of women in the U.S. were on an antidepressant; by 2008 that number had jumped to nearly 13 percent. Sadly, for women between the ages of 45-64, almost one in four were on antidepressants as of 2008.2
What these individuals might not realize is that there may be a more natural option. Prescriptions are not necessarily the only answer. One of my patients came to the office for a consultation with a plethora of "nuisance" symptoms. When I entered the room, the patient looked like she was in good health – she acted very pleasant, her hair and make-up had been done and she appeared to be very well-balanced mentally. It was only after she asked for help that I discovered the following: At just 33 years old, she suffered from almost-daily mood swings, depression, hot and cold flashes, excessive hunger and weight gain, acne, low energy, frequent headaches, chronic infections and constipation. She said she felt "somewhat crazy" and "not like herself." At night she woke 3-4 times in a panic with severe night sweats. At the time of the initial visit, she weighed 144 lbs at 5'3" and her blood pressure was 100/70.
You could not tell that this patient suffered from all of the above-mentioned symptoms just by looking at her. How many of your patients appear to be in good health? Next time they enter your office, ask – you may be surprised by how many pre-existing patients could use your help for something other than a chiropractic adjustment.
Before seeking my help, the patient had been to her medical doctor, who diagnosed her with general anxiety disorder (GAD) and prescribed five different medications to control her anxiety, depression, headaches and constipation. After three months of no relief, she was ready for a second opinion. While the medical community will quickly offer drugs to mask each symptom, I chose a more inquisitive approach and ran a series of comprehensive tests to try and find what underlying causes or deficiencies were causing these symptoms. Her quality of life had been seriously altered by these issues and perhaps signalled more serious developing problems.
Her bloodwork showed an interesting trend. Tests of her kidneys, liver, metabolic panel, glucose, vitamin D, lipids, etc., were all just slightly too high or low for optimal health. While very few were outside the clinical reference ranges used by medical doctors, they were outside what I call the "healthy range," which is a stricter guideline for each test used to detect progression toward disease What this means is that she was on the verge of developing some serious medical problems.
2011年11月16日星期三
Car-care product jargon doesn't really talk to me
'Ladiesssssss, are you tired of buying eye liner, lipstick and so-called miracle creams that don't live up to their promises? Have you had it with harsh abrasives that leave marks and discolouration?"
Me, too, which is why I've dreamed up a line of cosmetics that's "strong enough for a muscle car, but made for a woman's wheels".
All right, so I haven't actually tacked my name onto a successful line of car-care products that talks directly to women in a language we can all understand, just yet ... but I could. If I'm any example, there's definitely a market for it.
I came to this conclusion when instead of investing in a box of hair colour, I spent the cash on some car polish that promised to "breathe life into my old finish." How could I resist? So I tried in on one of the guys' cars in the parking lot here at work.
Well, believe it or not, the stuff removed so much of chalky-looking topcoat that the red primer underneath was showing through in spots. It was like a dye job gone horribly wrong. At least it was glistening.
It didn't "restore the lustre," like the label promised it would - unless the shine I was looking for was supposed to be that of bare metal.
When I related the story to one of the carguy columnists back at the office, he said that's what the product is supposed to do: remove the dull, old, oxidized paint to reveal the shine under the grime.
In girly-girl terms, it exfoliated the car. So why didn't the label just say that? (And why would I want to exfoliate my car in the first place?)
But just think of the gold mine in marketing car-care products in a femalefriendly way.
Women of the non-car-chick variety want to baby their cars as much as the next girl, right? Well, maybe not, but they might with the right spin on the merchandise.
After all, cosmetics is a multi-billion-dollar industry, so why isn't someone cashing in on this and offering polishes, waxes and glazes specifically geared to women, like me, who won't bat a perfectly curled eyelash at dropping $20 every other week for the new musthave shade of lip gloss or eye shadow?
Most women drop wads of money on things that make us look better. I guarantee we - OK, I - would invest a considerable chunk of change on things that would make our cars look just as good.
I'm not talking about reinventing the wheel - these products are already on the automotive department shelves - just package 'em so that we know what they're going to do for us ... er, um, I mean our cars.
Here's my idea for a shopping list:
- Autobody Wash: A fragrant soap that's gentle on cars, leaving dramatic colour and shine ... and is easy on manicured hands.
- Exfoliators: A strong, but safe product that removes dirt build-up that otherwise makes your car look tired, old and washedout.
- Autobody Lotion: A soothing, protective after-wash coating that prevents chipping, peeling and prohibits the formation of age spots. (Rust, which is not a good shade on anyone.)
The first three items on the list should be offered like any other cosmetic - in trialsize bottles packaged in, ahem, "useful" decorative bags. Maybe manufacturers could even throw in a bonus like ...
Me, too, which is why I've dreamed up a line of cosmetics that's "strong enough for a muscle car, but made for a woman's wheels".
All right, so I haven't actually tacked my name onto a successful line of car-care products that talks directly to women in a language we can all understand, just yet ... but I could. If I'm any example, there's definitely a market for it.
I came to this conclusion when instead of investing in a box of hair colour, I spent the cash on some car polish that promised to "breathe life into my old finish." How could I resist? So I tried in on one of the guys' cars in the parking lot here at work.
Well, believe it or not, the stuff removed so much of chalky-looking topcoat that the red primer underneath was showing through in spots. It was like a dye job gone horribly wrong. At least it was glistening.
It didn't "restore the lustre," like the label promised it would - unless the shine I was looking for was supposed to be that of bare metal.
When I related the story to one of the carguy columnists back at the office, he said that's what the product is supposed to do: remove the dull, old, oxidized paint to reveal the shine under the grime.
In girly-girl terms, it exfoliated the car. So why didn't the label just say that? (And why would I want to exfoliate my car in the first place?)
But just think of the gold mine in marketing car-care products in a femalefriendly way.
Women of the non-car-chick variety want to baby their cars as much as the next girl, right? Well, maybe not, but they might with the right spin on the merchandise.
After all, cosmetics is a multi-billion-dollar industry, so why isn't someone cashing in on this and offering polishes, waxes and glazes specifically geared to women, like me, who won't bat a perfectly curled eyelash at dropping $20 every other week for the new musthave shade of lip gloss or eye shadow?
Most women drop wads of money on things that make us look better. I guarantee we - OK, I - would invest a considerable chunk of change on things that would make our cars look just as good.
I'm not talking about reinventing the wheel - these products are already on the automotive department shelves - just package 'em so that we know what they're going to do for us ... er, um, I mean our cars.
Here's my idea for a shopping list:
- Autobody Wash: A fragrant soap that's gentle on cars, leaving dramatic colour and shine ... and is easy on manicured hands.
- Exfoliators: A strong, but safe product that removes dirt build-up that otherwise makes your car look tired, old and washedout.
- Autobody Lotion: A soothing, protective after-wash coating that prevents chipping, peeling and prohibits the formation of age spots. (Rust, which is not a good shade on anyone.)
The first three items on the list should be offered like any other cosmetic - in trialsize bottles packaged in, ahem, "useful" decorative bags. Maybe manufacturers could even throw in a bonus like ...
2011年11月14日星期一
Worktop repairs a scorching success for facilities management company
The UK's foremost provider of student accommodation was so impressed with the worktop repair service provided by Plastic Surgeon that the manager responsible for the halls of residence serving Plymouth University, wrote to his opposite number, praising the work carried out by the national repair specialist.
Interestingly, while Plastic Surgeon's cosmetic repair service encompasses the whole spectrum of building components from masonry, through doors and windows to bathrooms suites, the challenge in Plymouth was confined entirely to the kitchen worksurfaces. And more specifically still, to removing burn rings where hot frying pans had been taken off the heat and placed directly on the surfaces, leaving deep scorch marks.
Despite the stereotypical image of students being content to live in the sort of chaos depicted in the 'Young Ones', Unite's policy is to maintain high standards regarding both the fabric of the buildings and the fittings: requiring substantial renovation and redecoration during each summer recess.
Following an earlier trial to prove that the firm's Finishers could successfully remove the ubiquitous scorch marks from the worktops, Plastic Surgeon was awarded a contract for 25 days work to be carried out over a two week period. As a result of the tight timetable the company committed five senior Finishers, including the South-West regional manager to the effort, with some of the repairs being carried out overnight and at the weekend as they strove to complete the challenge without neglecting other clients.
Amongst the four city centre tower blocks, up to seven storeys in height, where the Finishers were deployed, was Discovery Heights which also house's Unite's management suite.
Gary Danson, the Operations Manger South West, comments: "A lot of the burns went quite deep into the laminate worksurfaces - where very hot frying pans or saucepans had been placed on them - which required us to literally dig out the damaged material. In order to simplify the repair we pre-tinted the two part fillers before building up the area.
"The filler is then smoothed back level with the surrounding surface using a graduation of abrasives before the Finisher then touches in the detail using specially mixed paints applied with a fine brush."
In the letter commending the professionalism of the service Plastic Surgeon provided in Plymouth, the Unite manager commented on the fact that the Finishers sought 'critical review' of the repairs in order to ensure the client's aesthetic objectives were being met within the tight timescale.
Gary Danson concluded saying: "Had Unite been forced to change all the damaged worktops - and there were up to three in each kitchen - it would have caused a lot of disruption and eaten up a big chunk of the budget for refurbishing each room. Our repairs offered a far more affordable and eco-friendly course of action. With a two week window to complete 25 days work, this contract went very well."
The ability to repair building components in-situ is one of the core strengths to Plastic Surgeon's service, with clients not only saving an average of 3 for every pound they spend on repairs, but also dramatically reducing the volume of waste they send to landfill. In fact Plastic Surgeon's bespoke VisibilITy software package can offer customers quantified tonnages of waste saved along with their monthly billing.
As a result of the company's summer recess success in Plymouth, Unite also called in Plastic Surgeon to carry out an emergency repair on a damaged shower tray at another student accommodation building in nearby Exeter.
Interestingly, while Plastic Surgeon's cosmetic repair service encompasses the whole spectrum of building components from masonry, through doors and windows to bathrooms suites, the challenge in Plymouth was confined entirely to the kitchen worksurfaces. And more specifically still, to removing burn rings where hot frying pans had been taken off the heat and placed directly on the surfaces, leaving deep scorch marks.
Despite the stereotypical image of students being content to live in the sort of chaos depicted in the 'Young Ones', Unite's policy is to maintain high standards regarding both the fabric of the buildings and the fittings: requiring substantial renovation and redecoration during each summer recess.
Following an earlier trial to prove that the firm's Finishers could successfully remove the ubiquitous scorch marks from the worktops, Plastic Surgeon was awarded a contract for 25 days work to be carried out over a two week period. As a result of the tight timetable the company committed five senior Finishers, including the South-West regional manager to the effort, with some of the repairs being carried out overnight and at the weekend as they strove to complete the challenge without neglecting other clients.
Amongst the four city centre tower blocks, up to seven storeys in height, where the Finishers were deployed, was Discovery Heights which also house's Unite's management suite.
Gary Danson, the Operations Manger South West, comments: "A lot of the burns went quite deep into the laminate worksurfaces - where very hot frying pans or saucepans had been placed on them - which required us to literally dig out the damaged material. In order to simplify the repair we pre-tinted the two part fillers before building up the area.
"The filler is then smoothed back level with the surrounding surface using a graduation of abrasives before the Finisher then touches in the detail using specially mixed paints applied with a fine brush."
In the letter commending the professionalism of the service Plastic Surgeon provided in Plymouth, the Unite manager commented on the fact that the Finishers sought 'critical review' of the repairs in order to ensure the client's aesthetic objectives were being met within the tight timescale.
Gary Danson concluded saying: "Had Unite been forced to change all the damaged worktops - and there were up to three in each kitchen - it would have caused a lot of disruption and eaten up a big chunk of the budget for refurbishing each room. Our repairs offered a far more affordable and eco-friendly course of action. With a two week window to complete 25 days work, this contract went very well."
The ability to repair building components in-situ is one of the core strengths to Plastic Surgeon's service, with clients not only saving an average of 3 for every pound they spend on repairs, but also dramatically reducing the volume of waste they send to landfill. In fact Plastic Surgeon's bespoke VisibilITy software package can offer customers quantified tonnages of waste saved along with their monthly billing.
As a result of the company's summer recess success in Plymouth, Unite also called in Plastic Surgeon to carry out an emergency repair on a damaged shower tray at another student accommodation building in nearby Exeter.
2011年11月13日星期日
Morgan Technical Ceramics Receives US Trademark
Morgan Technical Ceramics (MTC) announced that it has received a U.S. trademark for Sharkskin(TM) high-roughness textured alumina material, manufactured at its Hayward, CA site. Sharkskin provides a high-roughness surface texture integral to the alumina base material. The roughened surface improves process residue adhesion for film processes, primarily for physical vapor deposition (PVD), plasma-enhanced PVD and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The improved adhesion enhances equipment productivity by extending service life, reducing overall particulate defects and reducing the total number of preventative maintenance cycles per chamber.
The use of Sharkskin enables reliable deposition of highly compressive films. Chip manufacturing companies have already been successful in using Sharkskin in a PVD deposition chamber within a production environment.
Sharkskin prototype and volume production capabilities include green or fired parts and new and used parts. The material is ideal for parts with complex geometries. Sharkskin has the same acid and plasma-resistant qualities as the high purity alumina material already widely used in semiconductor manufacturing tools, and can be cleaned and recycled using current technology. It can be used for tungsten, aluminum and copper deposition applications.
Used primarily for reactor domes, shields, and cover rings, Sharkskin can serve as a foundation to help the twin-wire arc spray (TWAS) layer adhere better to the base ceramic, doubling TWAS adhesion. Sharkskin also eliminates the need to re-grit blast parts after each cleaning, because the roughness is permanent and doesn't degrade with multiple use and cleaning. A further advantage is that Sharkskin is acid resistant and can therefore be used in environments where use of TWAS is precluded.
"Today's thinner integrated circuits demand better film adhesion," said Ed Tomasek, New Business Development Manager at MTC. "Advancements in process residue adhesion decrease chip defects and increase yields. Since adhesion is improved by roughening surfaces, Sharkskin offers an excellent option to replace or complement such traditional ceramic roughening methods as grit blasting or TWAS."
The Sharkskin texture can be placed exactly and precisely where it is most needed. Existing components that are now coated with TWAS can be textured with the Sharkskin material, minimizing disruption to existing processes and speeding the new component qualification process.
Although primarily used for PVD and CVD processes, Sharkskin texturing may also be suitable for etch processes, where photoresist materials can deposit within chambers and flake off. Sharkskin can also be used in solar applications to change reflectivity of surfaces for improved efficiency of solar panels. Medical and laser applications that require high adhesion properties may also benefit from use of the new process.
Morgan Technical Ceramics manufactures components and sub-assemblies using an extensive range of materials, including structural and piezoelectric ceramics, dielectrics, braze alloys, and specialist coatings. It works with manufacturers' design and R&D teams at local, national and international level on projects from concept and feasibility studies through prototype development to full production. The business employs some 2,500 people and has 23 manufacturing sites worldwide across Europe, the US, Mexico, China and Australia.
Morgan Technical Ceramics is a business within the Morgan Ceramics Division of The Morgan Crucible Company plc, one of the world's leading advanced materials companies. The company specialises in the design, manufacture and marketing of ceramic and carbon products which are used in a wide range of applications, from transport and telecommunications to fire protection and medical instruments. Morgan Crucible is listed on the London Stock Exchange in the engineering sector.
The use of Sharkskin enables reliable deposition of highly compressive films. Chip manufacturing companies have already been successful in using Sharkskin in a PVD deposition chamber within a production environment.
Sharkskin prototype and volume production capabilities include green or fired parts and new and used parts. The material is ideal for parts with complex geometries. Sharkskin has the same acid and plasma-resistant qualities as the high purity alumina material already widely used in semiconductor manufacturing tools, and can be cleaned and recycled using current technology. It can be used for tungsten, aluminum and copper deposition applications.
Used primarily for reactor domes, shields, and cover rings, Sharkskin can serve as a foundation to help the twin-wire arc spray (TWAS) layer adhere better to the base ceramic, doubling TWAS adhesion. Sharkskin also eliminates the need to re-grit blast parts after each cleaning, because the roughness is permanent and doesn't degrade with multiple use and cleaning. A further advantage is that Sharkskin is acid resistant and can therefore be used in environments where use of TWAS is precluded.
"Today's thinner integrated circuits demand better film adhesion," said Ed Tomasek, New Business Development Manager at MTC. "Advancements in process residue adhesion decrease chip defects and increase yields. Since adhesion is improved by roughening surfaces, Sharkskin offers an excellent option to replace or complement such traditional ceramic roughening methods as grit blasting or TWAS."
The Sharkskin texture can be placed exactly and precisely where it is most needed. Existing components that are now coated with TWAS can be textured with the Sharkskin material, minimizing disruption to existing processes and speeding the new component qualification process.
Although primarily used for PVD and CVD processes, Sharkskin texturing may also be suitable for etch processes, where photoresist materials can deposit within chambers and flake off. Sharkskin can also be used in solar applications to change reflectivity of surfaces for improved efficiency of solar panels. Medical and laser applications that require high adhesion properties may also benefit from use of the new process.
Morgan Technical Ceramics manufactures components and sub-assemblies using an extensive range of materials, including structural and piezoelectric ceramics, dielectrics, braze alloys, and specialist coatings. It works with manufacturers' design and R&D teams at local, national and international level on projects from concept and feasibility studies through prototype development to full production. The business employs some 2,500 people and has 23 manufacturing sites worldwide across Europe, the US, Mexico, China and Australia.
Morgan Technical Ceramics is a business within the Morgan Ceramics Division of The Morgan Crucible Company plc, one of the world's leading advanced materials companies. The company specialises in the design, manufacture and marketing of ceramic and carbon products which are used in a wide range of applications, from transport and telecommunications to fire protection and medical instruments. Morgan Crucible is listed on the London Stock Exchange in the engineering sector.
2011年11月10日星期四
Specialty toothpaste brands can bust up bad breath
At TheraBreath, we're not content with lackluster performance. Our toothpastes are designed to reduce oral odor both now and in the long run.
What toothpaste brands are you familiar with? If you haven't yet switched to specialty toothpastes and toothgels, chances are good that you've only every tried a few kinds. You can probably call them to mind right this second - their splashy labels, bluish color schemes, flashy guarantees and big price tags. But do they really get rid of bad breath?
It depends on how you define "get rid of." After all, if common toothpaste brands eliminate halitosis for a day or so, some people might consider that a success. At TheraBreath, we're not content with such lackluster performance. Our toothpastes are designed to reduce oral odor both now and in the long run.
What's in a toothpaste? Most of the effective pastes and gels begin with fluoride, an enamel-preserving agent that has been included in toothpastes and powder for decades. In fact, fluoride-based compounds are so good at preventing cavities that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called fluoride therapy one of the "ten great public health achievements" of the 20th century.
The agency reports that since fluoridation began in 1945, the practice has reduced childhood cavities by between 40 and 70 percent, and adult tooth loss by about one-half! As you can see, any toothpaste worth its salt will contain sodium fluoride. But other than that, common pastes and specialty toothpaste brands have little else in common.
A typical off-the-shelf brand relies on abrasives to clean teeth. This ingredient consists of microscopic, sand- or grit-like particles, which scour your teeth and gums. While this process works well enough, it doesn't do anything to deter bacteria from coming back.
Specialty toothpaste brands utilize abrasives too, but they don't stop there. The best pastes and gels include all-natural ingredients designed to flush out microbes and keep the mouth smelling fresh. They also dispense with harsh chemicals like alcohol and sodium lauryl sulfate, and allergens like benzalkonium chloride.
What toothpaste brands are you familiar with? If you haven't yet switched to specialty toothpastes and toothgels, chances are good that you've only every tried a few kinds. You can probably call them to mind right this second - their splashy labels, bluish color schemes, flashy guarantees and big price tags. But do they really get rid of bad breath?
It depends on how you define "get rid of." After all, if common toothpaste brands eliminate halitosis for a day or so, some people might consider that a success. At TheraBreath, we're not content with such lackluster performance. Our toothpastes are designed to reduce oral odor both now and in the long run.
What's in a toothpaste? Most of the effective pastes and gels begin with fluoride, an enamel-preserving agent that has been included in toothpastes and powder for decades. In fact, fluoride-based compounds are so good at preventing cavities that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called fluoride therapy one of the "ten great public health achievements" of the 20th century.
The agency reports that since fluoridation began in 1945, the practice has reduced childhood cavities by between 40 and 70 percent, and adult tooth loss by about one-half! As you can see, any toothpaste worth its salt will contain sodium fluoride. But other than that, common pastes and specialty toothpaste brands have little else in common.
A typical off-the-shelf brand relies on abrasives to clean teeth. This ingredient consists of microscopic, sand- or grit-like particles, which scour your teeth and gums. While this process works well enough, it doesn't do anything to deter bacteria from coming back.
Specialty toothpaste brands utilize abrasives too, but they don't stop there. The best pastes and gels include all-natural ingredients designed to flush out microbes and keep the mouth smelling fresh. They also dispense with harsh chemicals like alcohol and sodium lauryl sulfate, and allergens like benzalkonium chloride.
2011年11月9日星期三
Frequently Asked Questions
Asbestos is the name given to a number of naturally occurring fibrous minerals with high tensile strength, the ability to be woven, and resistance to heat and most chemicals. Because of these properties, asbestos fibers have been used in a wide range of manufactured goods, including roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper and cement products, textiles, coatings, and friction products such as automobile clutch, brake and transmission parts. The Toxic Substances Control Act defines asbestos as the asbestiform varieties of: chrysotile (serpentine); crocidolite (riebeckite); amosite (cummingtonite/grunerite); anthophyllite; tremolite; and actinolite.
Exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease. That risk is made worse by smoking. In general, the greater the exposure to asbestos, the greater the chance of developing harmful health effects. Disease symptoms may take several years to develop following exposure. If you are concerned about possible exposure, consult a physician who specializes in lung diseases (pulmonologist).
Exposure to airborne friable asbestos may result in a potential health risk because persons breathing the air may breathe in asbestos fibers. Continued exposure can increase the amount of fibers that remain in the lung. Fibers embedded in lung tissue over time may cause serious lung diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. Smoking increases the risk of developing illness from asbestos exposure
Asbestosis: Asbestosis is a serious, progressive, long-term non-cancer disease of the lungs. It is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers that irritate lung tissues and cause the tissues to scar. The scarring makes it hard for oxygen to get into the blood. Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath and a dry, crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling. There is no effective treatment for asbestosis.
Lung Cancer: Lung cancer causes the largest number of deaths related to asbestos exposure. People who work in the mining, milling, manufacturing of asbestos, and those who use asbestos and its products are more likely to develop lung cancer than the general population. The most common symptoms of lung cancer are coughing and a change in breathing. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent chest pains, hoarseness, and anemia.
Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is found in the thin lining (membrane) of the lung, chest, abdomen, and heart and almost all cases are linked to exposure to asbestos. This disease may not show up until many years after asbestos exposure. This is why great efforts are being made to prevent school children from being exposed.
Exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease. That risk is made worse by smoking. In general, the greater the exposure to asbestos, the greater the chance of developing harmful health effects. Disease symptoms may take several years to develop following exposure. If you are concerned about possible exposure, consult a physician who specializes in lung diseases (pulmonologist).
Exposure to airborne friable asbestos may result in a potential health risk because persons breathing the air may breathe in asbestos fibers. Continued exposure can increase the amount of fibers that remain in the lung. Fibers embedded in lung tissue over time may cause serious lung diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. Smoking increases the risk of developing illness from asbestos exposure
Asbestosis: Asbestosis is a serious, progressive, long-term non-cancer disease of the lungs. It is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers that irritate lung tissues and cause the tissues to scar. The scarring makes it hard for oxygen to get into the blood. Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath and a dry, crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling. There is no effective treatment for asbestosis.
Lung Cancer: Lung cancer causes the largest number of deaths related to asbestos exposure. People who work in the mining, milling, manufacturing of asbestos, and those who use asbestos and its products are more likely to develop lung cancer than the general population. The most common symptoms of lung cancer are coughing and a change in breathing. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent chest pains, hoarseness, and anemia.
Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is found in the thin lining (membrane) of the lung, chest, abdomen, and heart and almost all cases are linked to exposure to asbestos. This disease may not show up until many years after asbestos exposure. This is why great efforts are being made to prevent school children from being exposed.
2011年11月8日星期二
Muckraking malarkey
Politicians paint pallid pictures. Do we inhabit dystopia, a society of human misery, squalor and oppression, or Utopia, the imaginary island enjoying perfection in law and politics?
Pick an issue. Egypt supposedly spends about four percent of GDP on its military. In descending order Oman comes top in the world rankings (11 percent) closely followed by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Iraq, Israel, Yemen and Eritrea. Syria and Kuwait are up there. Egypt stands at number 35.
A candidate for office could offer to cut military spending to improve the lot of the common folk. Another could defend spending on the grounds that Egypt is way behind the USA, Russia and China on this GDP percentage scale and should up its arms procurement to match Swaziland or Burundi.
Both protagonists would be barking up the wrong tree. The fact of the matter is we don’t know how much Egypt spends on the military or what it is spent on. Neither is GDP a fair benchmark. Egypt is neither dystopian nor Utopian. It is a secretive society.
The core issue in the election is to vote for candidates on their character and their principals. Most voters haven’t a clue where to start. Secrecy is maintained by draconian laws to prevent what lawyers call reputational damage. A journalist might have a salacious tidbit about a candidate that could knock him or her off their high horse. You won’t read it in a newspaper or magazine published in Egypt.
Egypt isn’t alone in collusive discretion. Those who knew John F. Kennedy well were aware of his bedroom antics, but kept mum. The American media in the 60s wouldn’t dare trash an icon.
British hacks knew Lloyd George kept mistresses all over London, but turn of the last century England wasn’t judged by the media barons to be ready to accept scandal involving its prime minister as news.
The British Minister of Defense’s affair with a prostitute Christine Keeler in the swinging 60s while she carried on with the Russian Ambassador was kept under wraps. Then a jilted lover aimed a pistol at her boudoir and Fleet Street was in full cry.
In Egypt tittle-tattle is doing the rounds about various politicians. Publishers face jail for reporting the prattle. The media could claim truth, but not as a complete defense; only to mitigate the compensatory damages.
Facebook users face even stiffer penalties. Lawyers in London and New York specialize in bringing damages suits on behalf of clients from all over the world against mudslingers who defame online. They’re very successful, often expanding the pool of defendants to their employers for not sacking aberrant libelers even when their aspersions are cast online.
The law prevents raising potentially damaging questions on TV and radio. An interviewer can’t get away with the intro: Here’s your chance to refute the allegation that you are a misogynist. The slur is cast. A reputation is besmirched whatever the man says.
Institutional secrecy and the right to privacy collide at election time. Voters want assurance that their interests have been looked after prudently and those seeking power are of sound character. Neither is possible as the law stands in Egypt.
JFK and Lloyd George would have been hounded out of office in the reformed times of the USA and the UK.
France is embroiled in debate over their protective statutes. Details of a potential president Dominic Straus-Khan’s dalliance in a hotel bedroom were revealed to them at a trial in New York. The case was dropped. Straus-Khan was toast.
If a celebrity politician found himself in the dock in Egypt, would all the evidence be revealed to the public?
Principles and principal mean totally different things. Voters need to know which candidates stand for them and which are in it for themselves?
The American author Henry David Thoreau said aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something.
Unprincipled politicians don’t have a policy. Without a policy they lack an ideology. Egypt is heading for a dark place if leaders lack morals and ethics.
With morally and ethically sound leaders — however unschooled in formal government — Egypt can begin a journey worthy of a revolution.
Cronyism is a blight on democracy. In America a million people are elected to office during the campaign season: mayors, school boards, hospital governors and dogcatchers. It’s not all about the president.
Egypt’s elections are not just about the People’s Assembly, the Shoura Council and the presidency. Those elected can influence the outcomes of a myriad of contests for local office. Some will have power to place high rankers on public bodies. Others can reshuffle their departments to reflect their views and satisfy their backers.
The election is a once in a lifetime opportunity to turn over a new leaf, to right wrongs, to shepherd in an egalitarian society that can unite to purge poverty, malnutrition and illiteracy out of the country.
It’s also the opportunity for isonomy, equality of political rights. Independents should not be shunted into a corridor by the oligarchs. Divisions in society are healthy.
Minorities serve an important function: to hold leaders’ feet to the fire.
Jobs for the boys is a dastardly indictment of corruption. For one thing, what about the girls? Isn’t it time to level the playing field? There are thousands of factories and offices, restaurants and cafes, where women work for pittances, less than their male colleagues doing the same jobs. Enforcement of an effective equality law is a priority to bring in equal opportunity.
What about wages? You can surf the Internet to see what the recruiters think multi-nationals are paying their staffs. The salaries of Vodafone employees are published, including the top brass and you can see other corporations’ pay scales. According to the data, an industrial abrasives company pays most (EGP 1.6 million), AUC comes pretty close and Vodafone appears pretty parsimonious in comparison.
The point is Egypt has the right to know if public banks are paying more than private banks, or vice versa, what compensation packages comprise for government controlled entities.
They have the right to know if bawabs are telltales for torturers. Are secret policemen listening into mobile phone conversations? Are e-mails and texts being monitored somewhere in the desert?
Google’s Eric Schmidt said if someone’s doing something they don’t want others to know about, in all probability they’re doing something that’s wrong.
Pick an issue. Egypt supposedly spends about four percent of GDP on its military. In descending order Oman comes top in the world rankings (11 percent) closely followed by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Iraq, Israel, Yemen and Eritrea. Syria and Kuwait are up there. Egypt stands at number 35.
A candidate for office could offer to cut military spending to improve the lot of the common folk. Another could defend spending on the grounds that Egypt is way behind the USA, Russia and China on this GDP percentage scale and should up its arms procurement to match Swaziland or Burundi.
Both protagonists would be barking up the wrong tree. The fact of the matter is we don’t know how much Egypt spends on the military or what it is spent on. Neither is GDP a fair benchmark. Egypt is neither dystopian nor Utopian. It is a secretive society.
The core issue in the election is to vote for candidates on their character and their principals. Most voters haven’t a clue where to start. Secrecy is maintained by draconian laws to prevent what lawyers call reputational damage. A journalist might have a salacious tidbit about a candidate that could knock him or her off their high horse. You won’t read it in a newspaper or magazine published in Egypt.
Egypt isn’t alone in collusive discretion. Those who knew John F. Kennedy well were aware of his bedroom antics, but kept mum. The American media in the 60s wouldn’t dare trash an icon.
British hacks knew Lloyd George kept mistresses all over London, but turn of the last century England wasn’t judged by the media barons to be ready to accept scandal involving its prime minister as news.
The British Minister of Defense’s affair with a prostitute Christine Keeler in the swinging 60s while she carried on with the Russian Ambassador was kept under wraps. Then a jilted lover aimed a pistol at her boudoir and Fleet Street was in full cry.
In Egypt tittle-tattle is doing the rounds about various politicians. Publishers face jail for reporting the prattle. The media could claim truth, but not as a complete defense; only to mitigate the compensatory damages.
Facebook users face even stiffer penalties. Lawyers in London and New York specialize in bringing damages suits on behalf of clients from all over the world against mudslingers who defame online. They’re very successful, often expanding the pool of defendants to their employers for not sacking aberrant libelers even when their aspersions are cast online.
The law prevents raising potentially damaging questions on TV and radio. An interviewer can’t get away with the intro: Here’s your chance to refute the allegation that you are a misogynist. The slur is cast. A reputation is besmirched whatever the man says.
Institutional secrecy and the right to privacy collide at election time. Voters want assurance that their interests have been looked after prudently and those seeking power are of sound character. Neither is possible as the law stands in Egypt.
JFK and Lloyd George would have been hounded out of office in the reformed times of the USA and the UK.
France is embroiled in debate over their protective statutes. Details of a potential president Dominic Straus-Khan’s dalliance in a hotel bedroom were revealed to them at a trial in New York. The case was dropped. Straus-Khan was toast.
If a celebrity politician found himself in the dock in Egypt, would all the evidence be revealed to the public?
Principles and principal mean totally different things. Voters need to know which candidates stand for them and which are in it for themselves?
The American author Henry David Thoreau said aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something.
Unprincipled politicians don’t have a policy. Without a policy they lack an ideology. Egypt is heading for a dark place if leaders lack morals and ethics.
With morally and ethically sound leaders — however unschooled in formal government — Egypt can begin a journey worthy of a revolution.
Cronyism is a blight on democracy. In America a million people are elected to office during the campaign season: mayors, school boards, hospital governors and dogcatchers. It’s not all about the president.
Egypt’s elections are not just about the People’s Assembly, the Shoura Council and the presidency. Those elected can influence the outcomes of a myriad of contests for local office. Some will have power to place high rankers on public bodies. Others can reshuffle their departments to reflect their views and satisfy their backers.
The election is a once in a lifetime opportunity to turn over a new leaf, to right wrongs, to shepherd in an egalitarian society that can unite to purge poverty, malnutrition and illiteracy out of the country.
It’s also the opportunity for isonomy, equality of political rights. Independents should not be shunted into a corridor by the oligarchs. Divisions in society are healthy.
Minorities serve an important function: to hold leaders’ feet to the fire.
Jobs for the boys is a dastardly indictment of corruption. For one thing, what about the girls? Isn’t it time to level the playing field? There are thousands of factories and offices, restaurants and cafes, where women work for pittances, less than their male colleagues doing the same jobs. Enforcement of an effective equality law is a priority to bring in equal opportunity.
What about wages? You can surf the Internet to see what the recruiters think multi-nationals are paying their staffs. The salaries of Vodafone employees are published, including the top brass and you can see other corporations’ pay scales. According to the data, an industrial abrasives company pays most (EGP 1.6 million), AUC comes pretty close and Vodafone appears pretty parsimonious in comparison.
The point is Egypt has the right to know if public banks are paying more than private banks, or vice versa, what compensation packages comprise for government controlled entities.
They have the right to know if bawabs are telltales for torturers. Are secret policemen listening into mobile phone conversations? Are e-mails and texts being monitored somewhere in the desert?
Google’s Eric Schmidt said if someone’s doing something they don’t want others to know about, in all probability they’re doing something that’s wrong.
2011年11月7日星期一
Global Energy signals intent
Latin America focused oil explorer Global Energy Development (GED) has issued a development update, in which it sets out its objectives for the coming weeks.
Historically, Global has focused its efforts in the Llanos Basin, to the East of Colombia - this is where 70 per cent of Colombia's current oil production is derived. Though it has delivered the bulk of production for Global (95 per cent), the area suffers from high oil marketing costs, as well as restrictive access to the oil pipeline.
Global has one of the largest 2P reserves on AIM, but over 88 per cent of this is located in the Bocachico and Bolivar Contract areas within the Middle Magdalena valley. With this in mind, it has opted to up its efforts in both these locations. First up is Bocachico, where it is using a Canada developed technology known as CHOPS (Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sand) to go rework an old well site.
It has now mobilised a rig to help remove the existing sand screens and clean out the old well casing, which could take 14-20 days. The so called Torcaz 5 well was originally drilled in 1999, when it produced sustained rates of more than 300 bopd. Upon completion of the cleaning operation, Global will test the well to analyse sand production and install an abrasives tolerant pump this month. It is footing the $1.5 million cost using cash from its existing production.
In the Llanos Basin, it has been working hard to minimise the cost of water disposal. It hopes to re-commence production shortly, this time with lower water levels. In addition, it has secured the necessary environmental permits to convert its abandoned Rio Verde 2 well into a water disposal service - which should cut disposal costs from $5 to $1 a barrel.
Historically, Global has focused its efforts in the Llanos Basin, to the East of Colombia - this is where 70 per cent of Colombia's current oil production is derived. Though it has delivered the bulk of production for Global (95 per cent), the area suffers from high oil marketing costs, as well as restrictive access to the oil pipeline.
Global has one of the largest 2P reserves on AIM, but over 88 per cent of this is located in the Bocachico and Bolivar Contract areas within the Middle Magdalena valley. With this in mind, it has opted to up its efforts in both these locations. First up is Bocachico, where it is using a Canada developed technology known as CHOPS (Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sand) to go rework an old well site.
It has now mobilised a rig to help remove the existing sand screens and clean out the old well casing, which could take 14-20 days. The so called Torcaz 5 well was originally drilled in 1999, when it produced sustained rates of more than 300 bopd. Upon completion of the cleaning operation, Global will test the well to analyse sand production and install an abrasives tolerant pump this month. It is footing the $1.5 million cost using cash from its existing production.
In the Llanos Basin, it has been working hard to minimise the cost of water disposal. It hopes to re-commence production shortly, this time with lower water levels. In addition, it has secured the necessary environmental permits to convert its abandoned Rio Verde 2 well into a water disposal service - which should cut disposal costs from $5 to $1 a barrel.
2011年11月6日星期日
Healthy Living: Tooth sensitivity
Fran Gensicki has suffered with painful tooth sensitivity since high school when her braces came off.
"Cold air in the winter. If I walk in the morning and breathing in hurts. Cold water,” said Gensicki.
Pain can sometimes be from sweets even warm fluids. When the gums recede, often the root of the tooth is exposed causing pain. Grinding your teeth can contribute to the problem as well as a cracked or decayed tooth, acidic foods don't help.
Gensicki said, "Anything that has a lot of acids in it. Some juices, soda's citrus products, orange juice, grapefruit juice a big one."
Brushing your teeth to hard will affect the gums.
General dentist Dr. Christian Mathiesen said, "If you are abrading the roots of the teeth, damaging the teeth."
Because most tooth paste products contain abrasives, some experts believe it is the tooth paste that is a contributing factor and they suggest leaving the paste behind and dip instead.
"Dipping the tooth brush in a dental rinse reduces sensitivity and the level of abrasion which is called an afraction,” said Dr. Mathiesen.
And using sensitive tooth pastes containing potassium nitrate, are not only effective, they are safe."
Brushing your teeth can contribute to receding gums, buy a tooth with soft bristles, do it thoroughly and gently or better yet, buy an electric tooth brush, this one oscillates, this one vibrates, both are effective.
If more relief is needed, most dentists provide higher grade process that may work for you.
"Bonding agents we place over a root, fluoride varnishes,” said Dr. Mathiesen.
"Cold air in the winter. If I walk in the morning and breathing in hurts. Cold water,” said Gensicki.
Pain can sometimes be from sweets even warm fluids. When the gums recede, often the root of the tooth is exposed causing pain. Grinding your teeth can contribute to the problem as well as a cracked or decayed tooth, acidic foods don't help.
Gensicki said, "Anything that has a lot of acids in it. Some juices, soda's citrus products, orange juice, grapefruit juice a big one."
Brushing your teeth to hard will affect the gums.
General dentist Dr. Christian Mathiesen said, "If you are abrading the roots of the teeth, damaging the teeth."
Because most tooth paste products contain abrasives, some experts believe it is the tooth paste that is a contributing factor and they suggest leaving the paste behind and dip instead.
"Dipping the tooth brush in a dental rinse reduces sensitivity and the level of abrasion which is called an afraction,” said Dr. Mathiesen.
And using sensitive tooth pastes containing potassium nitrate, are not only effective, they are safe."
Brushing your teeth can contribute to receding gums, buy a tooth with soft bristles, do it thoroughly and gently or better yet, buy an electric tooth brush, this one oscillates, this one vibrates, both are effective.
If more relief is needed, most dentists provide higher grade process that may work for you.
"Bonding agents we place over a root, fluoride varnishes,” said Dr. Mathiesen.
2011年11月3日星期四
White County Abrasives gets national attention
White County Abrasives and Industrial Supply Inc., of Carmi has won national attention.
The business was featured in a main story of a recent issue of FF Journal, a trade publication that features information on metal fabricating and forming technologies.
The business is owned by Jim and Penny Lindley, with Penny having the majority of the stock in the business, making it a minority-owned business.
Jim is a native of northeastern Mississippi and Penny is a native of southern Wisconsin. The two met on a tour at Disney World. Later, while riding their touring motorcycle through Carmi on a long ride, they stopped here for a break.
"We got to looking around and really just thought it was a nice area," Jim said. "It was about halfway between my family and her family and just seemed like a good place to settle."
That was in 1988. The two now share a 12-year-old daughter and a grown son and have exceeded $1 million in sales with their 20-year-old business.
For the last 15 years, the business has been an authorized Scotchman industrial equipment dealer -- it is now one of the top-10 Scotchman dealers in the U.S. Jim said he has probably sold 300 of the units over the years and, more recently, has sold about seven such pieces to Elastec/American Marine, also based in Carmi.
The business sells welding and industrial equipment in Southern Illinois, southern Indiana and western Kentucky. It provides hand tools, grinders, heavy drills and many other items to area farmers, coal mines and auto body shops, to mention just a few of the types of business supplied.
The business has one employee, Grayville native Ray Sanders, who now lives in Carmi.
The business was featured in a main story of a recent issue of FF Journal, a trade publication that features information on metal fabricating and forming technologies.
The business is owned by Jim and Penny Lindley, with Penny having the majority of the stock in the business, making it a minority-owned business.
Jim is a native of northeastern Mississippi and Penny is a native of southern Wisconsin. The two met on a tour at Disney World. Later, while riding their touring motorcycle through Carmi on a long ride, they stopped here for a break.
"We got to looking around and really just thought it was a nice area," Jim said. "It was about halfway between my family and her family and just seemed like a good place to settle."
That was in 1988. The two now share a 12-year-old daughter and a grown son and have exceeded $1 million in sales with their 20-year-old business.
For the last 15 years, the business has been an authorized Scotchman industrial equipment dealer -- it is now one of the top-10 Scotchman dealers in the U.S. Jim said he has probably sold 300 of the units over the years and, more recently, has sold about seven such pieces to Elastec/American Marine, also based in Carmi.
The business sells welding and industrial equipment in Southern Illinois, southern Indiana and western Kentucky. It provides hand tools, grinders, heavy drills and many other items to area farmers, coal mines and auto body shops, to mention just a few of the types of business supplied.
The business has one employee, Grayville native Ray Sanders, who now lives in Carmi.
2011年11月2日星期三
Off to a smooth start
Every year, Josh LePell travels to Brazil — not to lounge on the beaches, but to look at slabs of stone.
Josh and his wife Corrin own San Luis Marble & Granite, which sells, fabricates and installs natural stone slabs and stone tiles, as well as products made of quartz and recycled glass.
When they purchased the business in 2008, it was a small fabrication company that had been selling and installing countertops since 1986. The LePells added a showroom and slab yard.
“Back then, there weren’t any local slab yards,” said Josh. “People either had to pick from a small sample and take their chances, or drive hundreds of miles to pick their slab.”
According to Josh, there is no substitute for getting up close and personal with the slab you intend to buy. This is why he hand-picks every slab that enters their yard. He travels to quarries, often importing the stone himself. When he works with wholesalers, he selects pieces individually, rather than buying by the container.
“I’m looking for consistency in movement, color and pattern,” he explained.
He is also on the lookout for new varieties of stone, eager to be among the first to offer newly available colors.
The slab yard offers over 100 types of granite, marble, limestone, travertine and soapstone. To help customers select from this immense inventory, they offer free design services.
When selecting stone, Josh recommends starting with something already in place in the room, such as the cabinetry. He encourages customers to bring in a cabinet door, drawer front, flooring sample, or photographs of their home when they visit the showroom.
The next decision is selecting a finish. According to Josh, more people are bypassing polished stone for honed or leathered finishes that have a more organic look and are less susceptible to etching. Honed stone has a smooth, matte finish. Leathering is accomplished with Italian stone brushes that bring out the stone’s natural texture.
“Each stone has its own unique pattern because of its geological makeup,” he said. “We reseal it to make it easy to clean.”
Josh noted that countertops aren’t the only application for stone. Slabs are often used on fireplace surrounds, bathroom floors, and even showers.
“It’s a great option for people who are sick of cleaning grout joints,” he said.
San Luis Marble & Granite has branched out into products made from quartz, like Silestone and CaesarStone, as well as eco-friendly recycled glass surfaces. But Josh still has a soft spot for stone.
“Natural stone sets a precedent for the whole feeling you get when you are in the home,” he said, “a feeling of quality, substance, and permanence.”
Josh and his wife Corrin own San Luis Marble & Granite, which sells, fabricates and installs natural stone slabs and stone tiles, as well as products made of quartz and recycled glass.
When they purchased the business in 2008, it was a small fabrication company that had been selling and installing countertops since 1986. The LePells added a showroom and slab yard.
“Back then, there weren’t any local slab yards,” said Josh. “People either had to pick from a small sample and take their chances, or drive hundreds of miles to pick their slab.”
According to Josh, there is no substitute for getting up close and personal with the slab you intend to buy. This is why he hand-picks every slab that enters their yard. He travels to quarries, often importing the stone himself. When he works with wholesalers, he selects pieces individually, rather than buying by the container.
“I’m looking for consistency in movement, color and pattern,” he explained.
He is also on the lookout for new varieties of stone, eager to be among the first to offer newly available colors.
The slab yard offers over 100 types of granite, marble, limestone, travertine and soapstone. To help customers select from this immense inventory, they offer free design services.
When selecting stone, Josh recommends starting with something already in place in the room, such as the cabinetry. He encourages customers to bring in a cabinet door, drawer front, flooring sample, or photographs of their home when they visit the showroom.
The next decision is selecting a finish. According to Josh, more people are bypassing polished stone for honed or leathered finishes that have a more organic look and are less susceptible to etching. Honed stone has a smooth, matte finish. Leathering is accomplished with Italian stone brushes that bring out the stone’s natural texture.
“Each stone has its own unique pattern because of its geological makeup,” he said. “We reseal it to make it easy to clean.”
Josh noted that countertops aren’t the only application for stone. Slabs are often used on fireplace surrounds, bathroom floors, and even showers.
“It’s a great option for people who are sick of cleaning grout joints,” he said.
San Luis Marble & Granite has branched out into products made from quartz, like Silestone and CaesarStone, as well as eco-friendly recycled glass surfaces. But Josh still has a soft spot for stone.
“Natural stone sets a precedent for the whole feeling you get when you are in the home,” he said, “a feeling of quality, substance, and permanence.”
2011年11月1日星期二
Tiny technology is one of 3M's biggest assets
3M makes more than 50,000 products, but one technology is at the core of a wide range of products, including road signs, grinders, and overhead projectors.
One of 3M's most important secrets is a technology the company calls "microreplication." It involves covering large sheets of plastic or other surfaces with precisely-sculpted microscopic shapes, thousands of them per square inch, in unending uniformity.
"Imagine pyramids, even like Egyptian pyramids," said Ken Smith, a scientist in 3M's traffic safety division. "It's that kind of structure on a very small scale, all over a plastic film."
The pyramids, ridges and other shapes 3M produces alters the physical, chemical and optical properties of surfaces. A sheet of microscopic pyramids can make road signs brighter because of the way they reflect light, Smith said.
"Those kinds of structures are more efficient at returning the light from your headlights, right back to you as a driver in car," he said. "They return about two-thirds of the light that falls on them back towards the car."
The technology dates to the 1960s, when it was used to make inexpensive overhead projectors for schools and offices. But microreplication has spread across 3M's businesses. The company adapted the technology to improve the performance of everyday items from sandpaper and golf gloves to grinders and cell phones. The technology touches tens of thousands of 3M's products and is critical to the company's innovation, said Ernie Gundling, leadership consultant.
"It's one of 3M's core technology platforms," he said.
Gundling studied 3M for his book, The 3M Way to Innovation. Microreplication has given new life to old products, he said.
"They've been able to reinvent some of their oldest businesses, including the sandpaper business, as well as come up with very unique applications in new areas," he said.
3M guards its microreplication secrets closely.
One microreplication machine could fill a medium-size house and costs more than $1 million, according to 3M. However, no one outside the company, and even most 3M employees are allowed to see a microreplication machine. The machine melts plastic pellets and squeezes them into rolls of film.
There's a good chance you see 3M's microreplication technology at work on your TV, cell phone or computer screen. The technology produces sheets of optical film that make those screens as much as three times brighter. The film improves energy efficiency in display screens, helping extend battery life in laptops, tablet computers and cell phones.
You'll find all manner of dismembered TVs in the lab of 3M researcher Dave Lamb. He spends a lot of time tearing down TVs that don't use 3M's film, and then puts 3M film on them.
"You can see the area where the film was applied is brighter than the area where the film is not applied," he said.
The image is brighter because the microscopic structures on the film's surface reflects light that would otherwise be directed toward the ceiling or floor instead toward where people will most likely watch the set.
But microreplication can also be used to modify something as solid as steel, and has revolutionized the abrasives business that got 3M started about a century ago.
Microreplication allowed 3M to develop abrasives with identical self-sharpening grains. They cut about five times as fast as traditional abrasives and last about seven times as long. They can quickly scour away steel and other metals.
And now microreplication is showing up in 3M's health care business.
Kris Hansen of 3M is working with drug companies on ways to use a patch to deliver vaccines and other drugs, quickly, painlessly and effectively with a skin patch that could replace hypodermic needles. The patch delivers medication or vaccination through tiny structures about 1/25th of an inch long.
"It's got about 1,300 little tiny microneedles on it," she said. "We put the drug or vaccine on the very tip of the microneedle and put that into the skin. And what the patient wears something that is about the size of the quarter and they wear it for maybe ten seconds, or ten minutes. And when they take it off the vaccine has been delivered into the skin."
3M is seeking regulatory approval for the patch. Hansen said the microneedles may soon deliver vaccines and some large selling drugs she can't name. It'll be another case of one half-century old idea, giving rise to yet another product.
One of 3M's most important secrets is a technology the company calls "microreplication." It involves covering large sheets of plastic or other surfaces with precisely-sculpted microscopic shapes, thousands of them per square inch, in unending uniformity.
"Imagine pyramids, even like Egyptian pyramids," said Ken Smith, a scientist in 3M's traffic safety division. "It's that kind of structure on a very small scale, all over a plastic film."
The pyramids, ridges and other shapes 3M produces alters the physical, chemical and optical properties of surfaces. A sheet of microscopic pyramids can make road signs brighter because of the way they reflect light, Smith said.
"Those kinds of structures are more efficient at returning the light from your headlights, right back to you as a driver in car," he said. "They return about two-thirds of the light that falls on them back towards the car."
The technology dates to the 1960s, when it was used to make inexpensive overhead projectors for schools and offices. But microreplication has spread across 3M's businesses. The company adapted the technology to improve the performance of everyday items from sandpaper and golf gloves to grinders and cell phones. The technology touches tens of thousands of 3M's products and is critical to the company's innovation, said Ernie Gundling, leadership consultant.
"It's one of 3M's core technology platforms," he said.
Gundling studied 3M for his book, The 3M Way to Innovation. Microreplication has given new life to old products, he said.
"They've been able to reinvent some of their oldest businesses, including the sandpaper business, as well as come up with very unique applications in new areas," he said.
3M guards its microreplication secrets closely.
One microreplication machine could fill a medium-size house and costs more than $1 million, according to 3M. However, no one outside the company, and even most 3M employees are allowed to see a microreplication machine. The machine melts plastic pellets and squeezes them into rolls of film.
There's a good chance you see 3M's microreplication technology at work on your TV, cell phone or computer screen. The technology produces sheets of optical film that make those screens as much as three times brighter. The film improves energy efficiency in display screens, helping extend battery life in laptops, tablet computers and cell phones.
You'll find all manner of dismembered TVs in the lab of 3M researcher Dave Lamb. He spends a lot of time tearing down TVs that don't use 3M's film, and then puts 3M film on them.
"You can see the area where the film was applied is brighter than the area where the film is not applied," he said.
The image is brighter because the microscopic structures on the film's surface reflects light that would otherwise be directed toward the ceiling or floor instead toward where people will most likely watch the set.
But microreplication can also be used to modify something as solid as steel, and has revolutionized the abrasives business that got 3M started about a century ago.
Microreplication allowed 3M to develop abrasives with identical self-sharpening grains. They cut about five times as fast as traditional abrasives and last about seven times as long. They can quickly scour away steel and other metals.
And now microreplication is showing up in 3M's health care business.
Kris Hansen of 3M is working with drug companies on ways to use a patch to deliver vaccines and other drugs, quickly, painlessly and effectively with a skin patch that could replace hypodermic needles. The patch delivers medication or vaccination through tiny structures about 1/25th of an inch long.
"It's got about 1,300 little tiny microneedles on it," she said. "We put the drug or vaccine on the very tip of the microneedle and put that into the skin. And what the patient wears something that is about the size of the quarter and they wear it for maybe ten seconds, or ten minutes. And when they take it off the vaccine has been delivered into the skin."
3M is seeking regulatory approval for the patch. Hansen said the microneedles may soon deliver vaccines and some large selling drugs she can't name. It'll be another case of one half-century old idea, giving rise to yet another product.
2011年10月31日星期一
Morgan Technical Ceramics Receives US Trademark
Morgan Technical Ceramics announced that it has received a U.S. trademark for Sharkskin(TM) high-roughness textured alumina material, manufactured at its Hayward, CA site. Sharkskin provides a high-roughness surface texture integral to the alumina base material. The roughened surface improves process residue adhesion for film processes, primarily for physical vapor deposition , plasma-enhanced PVD and chemical vapor deposition. The improved adhesion enhances equipment productivity by extending service life, reducing overall particulate defects and reducing the total number of preventative maintenance cycles per chamber.
The use of Sharkskin enables reliable deposition of highly compressive films. Chip manufacturing companies have already been successful in using Sharkskin in a PVD deposition chamber within a production environment.
Sharkskin prototype and volume production capabilities include green or fired parts and new and used parts. The material is ideal for parts with complex geometries. Sharkskin has the same acid and plasma-resistant qualities as the high purity alumina material already widely used in semiconductor manufacturing tools, and can be cleaned and recycled using current technology. It can be used for tungsten, aluminum and copper deposition applications.
Used primarily for reactor domes, shields, and cover rings, Sharkskin can serve as a foundation to help the twin-wire arc spray layer adhere better to the base ceramic, doubling TWAS adhesion. Sharkskin also eliminates the need to re-grit blast parts after each cleaning, because the roughness is permanent and doesn't degrade with multiple use and cleaning. A further advantage is that Sharkskin is acid resistant and can therefore be used in environments where use of TWAS is precluded.
"Today's thinner integrated circuits demand better film adhesion," said Ed Tomasek, New Business Development Manager at MTC. "Advancements in process residue adhesion decrease chip defects and increase yields. Since adhesion is improved by roughening surfaces, Sharkskin offers an excellent option to replace or complement such traditional ceramic roughening methods as grit blasting or TWAS."
The Sharkskin texture can be placed exactly and precisely where it is most needed. Existing components that are now coated with TWAS can be textured with the Sharkskin material, minimizing disruption to existing processes and speeding the new component qualification process.
Although primarily used for PVD and CVD processes, Sharkskin texturing may also be suitable for etch processes, where photoresist materials can deposit within chambers and flake off. Sharkskin can also be used in solar applications to change reflectivity of surfaces for improved efficiency of solar panels. Medical and laser applications that require high adhesion properties may also benefit from use of the new process.
The use of Sharkskin enables reliable deposition of highly compressive films. Chip manufacturing companies have already been successful in using Sharkskin in a PVD deposition chamber within a production environment.
Sharkskin prototype and volume production capabilities include green or fired parts and new and used parts. The material is ideal for parts with complex geometries. Sharkskin has the same acid and plasma-resistant qualities as the high purity alumina material already widely used in semiconductor manufacturing tools, and can be cleaned and recycled using current technology. It can be used for tungsten, aluminum and copper deposition applications.
Used primarily for reactor domes, shields, and cover rings, Sharkskin can serve as a foundation to help the twin-wire arc spray layer adhere better to the base ceramic, doubling TWAS adhesion. Sharkskin also eliminates the need to re-grit blast parts after each cleaning, because the roughness is permanent and doesn't degrade with multiple use and cleaning. A further advantage is that Sharkskin is acid resistant and can therefore be used in environments where use of TWAS is precluded.
"Today's thinner integrated circuits demand better film adhesion," said Ed Tomasek, New Business Development Manager at MTC. "Advancements in process residue adhesion decrease chip defects and increase yields. Since adhesion is improved by roughening surfaces, Sharkskin offers an excellent option to replace or complement such traditional ceramic roughening methods as grit blasting or TWAS."
The Sharkskin texture can be placed exactly and precisely where it is most needed. Existing components that are now coated with TWAS can be textured with the Sharkskin material, minimizing disruption to existing processes and speeding the new component qualification process.
Although primarily used for PVD and CVD processes, Sharkskin texturing may also be suitable for etch processes, where photoresist materials can deposit within chambers and flake off. Sharkskin can also be used in solar applications to change reflectivity of surfaces for improved efficiency of solar panels. Medical and laser applications that require high adhesion properties may also benefit from use of the new process.
2011年10月30日星期日
Can Worcester power its startup magnet?
A quick look at Worcester's economic base reveals that many of its largest employers were at the forefront of the global economy about 100 years ago. Is there more that Worcester could be doing to get its economy more plugged into the 21st century's economic trends?
Before getting into this, I was struck by a comment that Worcester native and Harvard Business School professor David Yoffie made last month. As I wrote in my Oct. 2 column, “Can Worcester draw entrepreneurs?”, Yoffie mentioned that his great uncle founded Worcester Knitting Co., a maker of polo shirts. Yoffie's father took over the firm.
In the 1970s, the EPA required WKC to invest in equipment to cut its flow of pollution to the Blackstone River. Yoffie's father would invest only if one of his three sons would run WKC. Yoffie's oldest brother took the bait but in the 1990s, WKC's high labor costs drove it out of business. Meanwhile, David continued with his education, earned graduate degrees from Stanford and ended up as a professor while his middle brother became a nationally famous rabbi.
For David, Worcester could not overcome the pull of other places to work. And that got me thinking about the concept of a regional startup magnet — the combination of forces that draws entrepreneurs to come to an area and build a business there. As my co-author, Srini Rangan, and I pointed out in our 2010 book, “Capital Rising,” a region's startup magnet consists of four factors with the potential to draw in capital for entrepreneurial activity.
We dubbed these four factors — corporate governance, capital markets, human capital and intellectual property protection — the entrepreneurial ecosystem, or EE. To get a clue of why Worcester's EE could be stronger, let's look at its employers.
Many of its biggest employers appear to have been founded well before the dawn of high-tech venture capitalism. Unfortunately, I don't have the best possible information on which to draw conclusions. Unlike Boston, which publishes annual lists of top employers, the best I could find for Worcester was an imprecise state report from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development titled “Largest 100 Employers in Worcester, MA-CT Metropolitan NECTA.” I would gladly report on more precise and up-to-date information for Worcester. In my analysis, below, I am excluding Westboro-based companies because, based on my interviews with entrepreneurs, most venture firms consider Westboro to be part of the Interstate 495 belt.
My conclusion is that Worcester's economy is dominated by insurance companies and the former Norton Co. For example, among the employers with between 1,000 and 4,999 employees are Commerce Insurance (founded in 1972), Hanover Insurance (founded 1852) and abrasives-maker Norton Co.
But not all of Worcester's biggest employers harken back to previous centuries. There are others that I had never heard of before — with the exception of Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, where I have enjoyed skiing many times since my childhood. For example, among the companies with 1,000 to 4,999 employees is Affiliated Podiatrists — it specializes in “Nail Fungus & Laser Toenail Treatment,” and although that number may represent its national “footprint” (pun intended), I sincerely doubt that it really employs that many people in Worcester. VNA Care Network, which offers “home health care, hospice, and wellness services,” I'd be more willing to believe is in the 1,000 to 4,999 employees.
Among the smaller organizations — employing between 250 and 1,000 people — is a smattering of state and city government entities, Wyman Gordon (founded 1883), Morgan Construction (founded in 1888 and now part of Siemens), and some health care providers. But there are also a few glimmers of high-tech hope — Abbott Bioresearch Center, which does immunology research, and Allegro Micro Systems, a semiconductor division now part of Japan's Sanken Electric Co., each employs between 500 and 999, according to that state report.
But what's striking about these examples is that most of these companies are owned by people outside Worcester. The city is not spurring enough startup growth to replace those companies that are run by people outside the area.
To spur entrepreneurship and attract capital, Worcester needs to boost weaknesses in its EE. While Worcester could “rent” America's strong corporate governance rules, intellectual property protection and its access to global financial markets, it needs to improve in the areas of building up its human capital — namely people who can start companies and help design and make the products. From that human capital, venture capital might flow to the region as well.
Before getting into this, I was struck by a comment that Worcester native and Harvard Business School professor David Yoffie made last month. As I wrote in my Oct. 2 column, “Can Worcester draw entrepreneurs?”, Yoffie mentioned that his great uncle founded Worcester Knitting Co., a maker of polo shirts. Yoffie's father took over the firm.
In the 1970s, the EPA required WKC to invest in equipment to cut its flow of pollution to the Blackstone River. Yoffie's father would invest only if one of his three sons would run WKC. Yoffie's oldest brother took the bait but in the 1990s, WKC's high labor costs drove it out of business. Meanwhile, David continued with his education, earned graduate degrees from Stanford and ended up as a professor while his middle brother became a nationally famous rabbi.
For David, Worcester could not overcome the pull of other places to work. And that got me thinking about the concept of a regional startup magnet — the combination of forces that draws entrepreneurs to come to an area and build a business there. As my co-author, Srini Rangan, and I pointed out in our 2010 book, “Capital Rising,” a region's startup magnet consists of four factors with the potential to draw in capital for entrepreneurial activity.
We dubbed these four factors — corporate governance, capital markets, human capital and intellectual property protection — the entrepreneurial ecosystem, or EE. To get a clue of why Worcester's EE could be stronger, let's look at its employers.
Many of its biggest employers appear to have been founded well before the dawn of high-tech venture capitalism. Unfortunately, I don't have the best possible information on which to draw conclusions. Unlike Boston, which publishes annual lists of top employers, the best I could find for Worcester was an imprecise state report from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development titled “Largest 100 Employers in Worcester, MA-CT Metropolitan NECTA.” I would gladly report on more precise and up-to-date information for Worcester. In my analysis, below, I am excluding Westboro-based companies because, based on my interviews with entrepreneurs, most venture firms consider Westboro to be part of the Interstate 495 belt.
My conclusion is that Worcester's economy is dominated by insurance companies and the former Norton Co. For example, among the employers with between 1,000 and 4,999 employees are Commerce Insurance (founded in 1972), Hanover Insurance (founded 1852) and abrasives-maker Norton Co.
But not all of Worcester's biggest employers harken back to previous centuries. There are others that I had never heard of before — with the exception of Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, where I have enjoyed skiing many times since my childhood. For example, among the companies with 1,000 to 4,999 employees is Affiliated Podiatrists — it specializes in “Nail Fungus & Laser Toenail Treatment,” and although that number may represent its national “footprint” (pun intended), I sincerely doubt that it really employs that many people in Worcester. VNA Care Network, which offers “home health care, hospice, and wellness services,” I'd be more willing to believe is in the 1,000 to 4,999 employees.
Among the smaller organizations — employing between 250 and 1,000 people — is a smattering of state and city government entities, Wyman Gordon (founded 1883), Morgan Construction (founded in 1888 and now part of Siemens), and some health care providers. But there are also a few glimmers of high-tech hope — Abbott Bioresearch Center, which does immunology research, and Allegro Micro Systems, a semiconductor division now part of Japan's Sanken Electric Co., each employs between 500 and 999, according to that state report.
But what's striking about these examples is that most of these companies are owned by people outside Worcester. The city is not spurring enough startup growth to replace those companies that are run by people outside the area.
To spur entrepreneurship and attract capital, Worcester needs to boost weaknesses in its EE. While Worcester could “rent” America's strong corporate governance rules, intellectual property protection and its access to global financial markets, it needs to improve in the areas of building up its human capital — namely people who can start companies and help design and make the products. From that human capital, venture capital might flow to the region as well.
2011年10月27日星期四
Grate tips on putting your grill away for the winter
Year-round grilling is a growing trend but if you’re not a fan of getting chilled while you grill now’s a good time to clean your grill and put it away for the season. In Consumer Reports recent Facebook chat, Bob Markovich, Home and Yard editor, offered step-by-step tips on how to clean and store your grill so it’s ready when you remove the cover next spring.
Burn off the gunk. Heat up the grill one last time according to the manufacturer’s instructions to burn as much dried grease as possible off the grates before the final cleaning.
Clean the exterior. After the grill has cooled, use a soft cloth or sponge and mild dishwashing detergent on stainless steel exteriors and apply stainless polish afterward. For painted or enameled exteriors, use a non-scouring nylon brush and a 50-50 mix of water and white vinegar.
Then the interior. Use a nylon-bristle brush for porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, and steel—not brass—brushes to clean uncoated cast-iron grates. Wash flavorizer bars with soapy water and a non-abrasive pad. Dry grates and bars thoroughly so rust doesn't form. Also remove and the drip pan and clean it with a scraper followed by a mild detergent and a non-scouring pad. Finally, hose off the interior and dry it as best you can.
Burn off the gunk. Heat up the grill one last time according to the manufacturer’s instructions to burn as much dried grease as possible off the grates before the final cleaning.
Clean the exterior. After the grill has cooled, use a soft cloth or sponge and mild dishwashing detergent on stainless steel exteriors and apply stainless polish afterward. For painted or enameled exteriors, use a non-scouring nylon brush and a 50-50 mix of water and white vinegar.
Then the interior. Use a nylon-bristle brush for porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, and steel—not brass—brushes to clean uncoated cast-iron grates. Wash flavorizer bars with soapy water and a non-abrasive pad. Dry grates and bars thoroughly so rust doesn't form. Also remove and the drip pan and clean it with a scraper followed by a mild detergent and a non-scouring pad. Finally, hose off the interior and dry it as best you can.
2011年10月26日星期三
AkzoNobel Powder Coatings Unveils the Most Comprehensive Ready To Ship
AkzoNobel Powder Coatings today launched a new and improved ready to ship (RTS) offering to the North American Market RTS (Ready To Ship) Gen III, the next generation of the widely respected RTS range, draws on the expertise from across AkzoNobel Powder Coatings to offer an exciting and wide reaching assortment of powder coatings.
Developed from over 50 years of field experience and product refinement, RTS Gen III offers more than 300 Interpon products, technologies, chemistries and patented formulations. An enormous array of colors, appearances and industry specified products are available with the range, including an attractive assortment of metallic and textured effects.
Designed for customer convenience, the RTS Gen III product range offers consistency and excellent quality. Jim Clark, Market Segment Manager General Trade Coaters North America explained "the new RTS Gen III stock program is our biggest and best offering yet. A lot of work has gone into researching customers' needs and expectations, and this range offers a vast selection of coating options that offers the very best in powder coating technology."
Continues Clark "As a global leader in powder coatings technology, our dedication to constant sustainable innovation and color expertise means that this new range is not only technically and aesthetically superb, but also that the products are formulated to work on multiple types of systems, thus offering the flexibility and adaptability that we know our customers need".
The RTS Gen III range benefits from the wealth of experience associated with a global company but is delivered with all of the advantages of a strong local service offering created with the customer in mind.
AkzoNobel is the largest global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals. We supply industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and are passionate about developing sustainable answers for our customers.
Our portfolio includes well known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International and Eka. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we are a Global Fortune 500 company and are consistently ranked as one of the leaders on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes.
With operations in more than 80 countries, our 55,000 people around the world are committed to excellence and delivering Tomorrow's Answers Today.
Developed from over 50 years of field experience and product refinement, RTS Gen III offers more than 300 Interpon products, technologies, chemistries and patented formulations. An enormous array of colors, appearances and industry specified products are available with the range, including an attractive assortment of metallic and textured effects.
Designed for customer convenience, the RTS Gen III product range offers consistency and excellent quality. Jim Clark, Market Segment Manager General Trade Coaters North America explained "the new RTS Gen III stock program is our biggest and best offering yet. A lot of work has gone into researching customers' needs and expectations, and this range offers a vast selection of coating options that offers the very best in powder coating technology."
Continues Clark "As a global leader in powder coatings technology, our dedication to constant sustainable innovation and color expertise means that this new range is not only technically and aesthetically superb, but also that the products are formulated to work on multiple types of systems, thus offering the flexibility and adaptability that we know our customers need".
The RTS Gen III range benefits from the wealth of experience associated with a global company but is delivered with all of the advantages of a strong local service offering created with the customer in mind.
AkzoNobel is the largest global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals. We supply industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and are passionate about developing sustainable answers for our customers.
Our portfolio includes well known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International and Eka. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we are a Global Fortune 500 company and are consistently ranked as one of the leaders on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes.
With operations in more than 80 countries, our 55,000 people around the world are committed to excellence and delivering Tomorrow's Answers Today.
2011年10月25日星期二
Wary Firms Are 'Destocking'
While many big industrial companies still sound optimistic about 2012, a few, including 3M Co. and DuPont Co., that typically take it on the chin in the early stages of an economic downturn are starting to warn that they're feeling pain. Their customers, mostly other manufacturers, in some cases are "destocking," or cutting their inventories of raw materials, in the face of increased caution about the year ahead.
A much more pronounced bout of destocking heralded the start of the 2008-2009 recession. This time around, big companies say they don't see as dramatic a change in order flow.
After 3M reported a surprise drop in third-quarter earnings Tuesday, its chief executive, George Buckley, said the weaker demand the company has seen in recent weeks is likely to spread. Many of 3M's products are films, adhesives, abrasives and other raw materials used by other manufacturers.
When those companies see slower demand and rush to trim raw-material inventories, "we always see the effect early, typically one to two quarters before our industrial peers," Mr. Buckley told analysts.
Other executives are also sounding more cautious. "Most companies have got a Plan A and a Plan B," the first for continued modest growth and the second for a slump, said Alexander "Sandy" Cutler, CEO of Eaton Corp., a big maker of electrical and hydraulic equipment, in an interview. "They're not sure which one to put into effect."
For now, Mr. Cutler still expects "modest" global economic growth next year as China subdues inflation without suffering any major slowdown in economic output and the U.S. avoids a double-dip recession.
Earlier this week, Eaton reported weakness in Chinese demand for hydraulic equipment used in construction machinery after Chinese authorities put the brakes on building as part of an effort to control inflation. But Eaton said it expected China's construction market to be brisk again by mid-2012, partly because the Chinese government is pushing for more building of low-income housing.
"It's too early to tell whether there's a general destocking going on," said Don Norman, an economist at the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI, a research group in Arlington, Va. So far, he sees only an effort by some manufacturers to trim inventories to match a slower rate of output growth.
Corporate griping about the economy is sometimes misleading. Blaming a sudden change in the broader economy can be a convenient excuse for companies like 3M that fall short of their own growth targets. But much of the CEO chatter in recent days has been more cautious than it was at the start of this year, when a surge in business investment was making up for weak consumer spending.
3M reported a 1.6% decline in third-quarter earnings, disappointing analysts who generally expected a rise of around 5%. The St. Paul, Minn.-based company, whose products range from automotive and electronic parts to medical supplies and Post-it notes, blamed weaker demand from European car makers and from producers of TVs and factory-automation equipment.
The recent weakness "could be short and temporary, or it could linger into next year," said Inge Thulin, 3M's chief operating officer. "We are prepared for either." 3M still expects modest global growth next year but will step up cost-cutting efforts if the outlook darkens further.
DuPont beat analysts' forecasts with a 23% jump in third-quarter profit, but CEO Ellen Kullman pointed to weak spots.
Making photo-voltaic cells for solar power projects has been one of DuPont's fastest-growing businesses, but Ms. Kullman said it recently became clear that customers had built up larger-than-expected inventories. She said supplies of the light-sensitive film at customers and distributors were more than double DuPont's previous estimate.
DuPont's titanium dioxide business has been a long-time leading indicator of wider industrial activity because of its use in paint and other coatings. DuPont said it "sold every pound we made" in the latest quarter but expected a "pause" in the final three months of the year, citing slowing demand in China.
The company's consumer electronics side, producing liquid-crystal displays, films and packaging for circuitry, was also hit by what Ms. Kullman said was a lack of confidence among customers about near-term demand for some electronic products.
Commercial-truck maker Paccar Inc. said it will reduce build rates in Europe for its DAF brand of trucks by 5% to 10% in December in anticipation of weakening demand. "There's is a lot of uncertainty out there," Chief Executive Mark Pigott said. Likewise, Sweden's Volvo AB, which expects industry-wide truck sales in Europe to fall by 10% in 2012, plans to reduce its truck manufacturing rates in Europe next year.
A much more pronounced bout of destocking heralded the start of the 2008-2009 recession. This time around, big companies say they don't see as dramatic a change in order flow.
After 3M reported a surprise drop in third-quarter earnings Tuesday, its chief executive, George Buckley, said the weaker demand the company has seen in recent weeks is likely to spread. Many of 3M's products are films, adhesives, abrasives and other raw materials used by other manufacturers.
When those companies see slower demand and rush to trim raw-material inventories, "we always see the effect early, typically one to two quarters before our industrial peers," Mr. Buckley told analysts.
Other executives are also sounding more cautious. "Most companies have got a Plan A and a Plan B," the first for continued modest growth and the second for a slump, said Alexander "Sandy" Cutler, CEO of Eaton Corp., a big maker of electrical and hydraulic equipment, in an interview. "They're not sure which one to put into effect."
For now, Mr. Cutler still expects "modest" global economic growth next year as China subdues inflation without suffering any major slowdown in economic output and the U.S. avoids a double-dip recession.
Earlier this week, Eaton reported weakness in Chinese demand for hydraulic equipment used in construction machinery after Chinese authorities put the brakes on building as part of an effort to control inflation. But Eaton said it expected China's construction market to be brisk again by mid-2012, partly because the Chinese government is pushing for more building of low-income housing.
"It's too early to tell whether there's a general destocking going on," said Don Norman, an economist at the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI, a research group in Arlington, Va. So far, he sees only an effort by some manufacturers to trim inventories to match a slower rate of output growth.
Corporate griping about the economy is sometimes misleading. Blaming a sudden change in the broader economy can be a convenient excuse for companies like 3M that fall short of their own growth targets. But much of the CEO chatter in recent days has been more cautious than it was at the start of this year, when a surge in business investment was making up for weak consumer spending.
3M reported a 1.6% decline in third-quarter earnings, disappointing analysts who generally expected a rise of around 5%. The St. Paul, Minn.-based company, whose products range from automotive and electronic parts to medical supplies and Post-it notes, blamed weaker demand from European car makers and from producers of TVs and factory-automation equipment.
The recent weakness "could be short and temporary, or it could linger into next year," said Inge Thulin, 3M's chief operating officer. "We are prepared for either." 3M still expects modest global growth next year but will step up cost-cutting efforts if the outlook darkens further.
DuPont beat analysts' forecasts with a 23% jump in third-quarter profit, but CEO Ellen Kullman pointed to weak spots.
Making photo-voltaic cells for solar power projects has been one of DuPont's fastest-growing businesses, but Ms. Kullman said it recently became clear that customers had built up larger-than-expected inventories. She said supplies of the light-sensitive film at customers and distributors were more than double DuPont's previous estimate.
DuPont's titanium dioxide business has been a long-time leading indicator of wider industrial activity because of its use in paint and other coatings. DuPont said it "sold every pound we made" in the latest quarter but expected a "pause" in the final three months of the year, citing slowing demand in China.
The company's consumer electronics side, producing liquid-crystal displays, films and packaging for circuitry, was also hit by what Ms. Kullman said was a lack of confidence among customers about near-term demand for some electronic products.
Commercial-truck maker Paccar Inc. said it will reduce build rates in Europe for its DAF brand of trucks by 5% to 10% in December in anticipation of weakening demand. "There's is a lot of uncertainty out there," Chief Executive Mark Pigott said. Likewise, Sweden's Volvo AB, which expects industry-wide truck sales in Europe to fall by 10% in 2012, plans to reduce its truck manufacturing rates in Europe next year.
2011年10月24日星期一
Economy's not all doom and gloom for Hudson entrepreneur
It’s no secret that times are tough and the local economy is struggling, but if you look in the right places you’ll find some local companies flourishing in these tough times.
One example is Carolina Base-Pac.
It’s a pallet-making company headquartered in Hudson and owned by Newton native Weidner Abernethy.
Abernethy, 45, bought Carolina Base-Pac about 11 years ago.
“It was a small company when I bought it,” Abernethy said. “It had 17 employees. It now has 41. We run two shifts.”
Carolina Base-Pac gets 13 to 15 tractor trailer loads of raw lumber delivered each week and turns all of it into pallets.
“We own our own trucks. We have two drivers, and we keep them busy 5½ days a week,” Abernethy said.
Carolina Base-Pac’s niche is custom orders and short production runs.
“If it’s made out of wood and nails – we’ll build it,” Abernethy said. “The customization of what we do here has kept our business strong during this economy.”
The company builds pallets for a wide variety of clients including the auto industry, furniture companies and the U.S. military.
Abernethy takes pride in the wooden crates he’s been contracted to build, so rugged that they can be dropped out of a helicopter and survive the impact.
The company’s motto is “Whatever it takes.” As Carolina Base-Pac’s sole sales representative, Abernethy takes the motto seriously and he’s focused on quick production and high quality.
While he’s out in the field making sales in a 200-mile radius from the plant, he counts on his employees to produce work that conforms to his standards.
“Our employees are the backbone of our company,” he said. “We have awesome teamwork at the plant.”
Abernethy wasn’t born into the pallet business. He went the long way to get where he is.
After Abernethy graduated from Newton-Conover High School, he attended Lees-McRae College then transferred to Catawba College. He studied business and marketing and graduated in 1989.
He played tennis in college, but gave it up when he finished school. Golf became his sport when he began his sales career with Klingspor, a company that specializes in industrial abrasives.
He rose though the ranks to become a regional sales manager. When the company started up an automotive division, Abernethy became the division’s sales manager.
The company’s owner, Christoph Klingspor, became a mentor for Abernethy. When it was time for a change, he supported Abernethy’s decision.
“I asked a lot of questions. He encouraged me to start my own business,” he said. “He has been and still is my mentor.”
Going from a career in sales for an established company to owning his own company was a leap of faith.
“I just wanted to do something on my own. I wanted to have control of my own destiny,” Abernethy said. “Knowing other successful business leaders, I’ve seen the challenges that they have been faced with and I was eager to try out my own entrepreneurship.”
It was a big risk that paid off well, not just for Abernethy and his family, but for his employees and their families.
One example is Carolina Base-Pac.
It’s a pallet-making company headquartered in Hudson and owned by Newton native Weidner Abernethy.
Abernethy, 45, bought Carolina Base-Pac about 11 years ago.
“It was a small company when I bought it,” Abernethy said. “It had 17 employees. It now has 41. We run two shifts.”
Carolina Base-Pac gets 13 to 15 tractor trailer loads of raw lumber delivered each week and turns all of it into pallets.
“We own our own trucks. We have two drivers, and we keep them busy 5½ days a week,” Abernethy said.
Carolina Base-Pac’s niche is custom orders and short production runs.
“If it’s made out of wood and nails – we’ll build it,” Abernethy said. “The customization of what we do here has kept our business strong during this economy.”
The company builds pallets for a wide variety of clients including the auto industry, furniture companies and the U.S. military.
Abernethy takes pride in the wooden crates he’s been contracted to build, so rugged that they can be dropped out of a helicopter and survive the impact.
The company’s motto is “Whatever it takes.” As Carolina Base-Pac’s sole sales representative, Abernethy takes the motto seriously and he’s focused on quick production and high quality.
While he’s out in the field making sales in a 200-mile radius from the plant, he counts on his employees to produce work that conforms to his standards.
“Our employees are the backbone of our company,” he said. “We have awesome teamwork at the plant.”
Abernethy wasn’t born into the pallet business. He went the long way to get where he is.
After Abernethy graduated from Newton-Conover High School, he attended Lees-McRae College then transferred to Catawba College. He studied business and marketing and graduated in 1989.
He played tennis in college, but gave it up when he finished school. Golf became his sport when he began his sales career with Klingspor, a company that specializes in industrial abrasives.
He rose though the ranks to become a regional sales manager. When the company started up an automotive division, Abernethy became the division’s sales manager.
The company’s owner, Christoph Klingspor, became a mentor for Abernethy. When it was time for a change, he supported Abernethy’s decision.
“I asked a lot of questions. He encouraged me to start my own business,” he said. “He has been and still is my mentor.”
Going from a career in sales for an established company to owning his own company was a leap of faith.
“I just wanted to do something on my own. I wanted to have control of my own destiny,” Abernethy said. “Knowing other successful business leaders, I’ve seen the challenges that they have been faced with and I was eager to try out my own entrepreneurship.”
It was a big risk that paid off well, not just for Abernethy and his family, but for his employees and their families.
2011年10月23日星期日
Sylvester and Horrigan, Veteran's Day grand marshals
Looking back on his three years in the U.S. Army, serving at Fort Hamilton in New York before he was sent to Germany during the 1960s, Westborough native Robert Sylvester said he only remembers the positive things.
“It was very enjoyable,” Sylvester said. “You don’t remember the bad things.”
When describing his military experience, Westborough resident Paul Horrigan calls it both “interesting” and “enjoyable.”
At this year’s Veteran’s Day services on Nov. 11th, both Sylvester and Horrigan will be honored for their military services as Grand Marshals. On Tuesday, the two veterans sat down with Ken Ferrera, Assistant Veteran’s Agent and host of Westborough TV’s ‘Veteran’s Corner,’ to talk about their experiences, the town and the upcoming event.
“I really felt unworthy (of this honor),” said Horrigan. “I never anticipated I would be Grand Marshal.”
According to Ferrera, the Veteran’s Day Grand Marshals are selected based on their military experience and their service in the community.
“We like to recognize people in the town who have supported the community,” said Ferrera.
Sylvester, 74, was born in Westborough and served three years in the army. He was drafted into the army at 22 and spent two and a half years with the 7th Army, 17th Artillery near Stuttgart, Germany, and was promoted to the rank of E4 before returning to the states. He was discharged in Dec. 1962 with good conduct and Sharpshooter Medals.
Upon returning to Westborough, Sylvester graduated from Westborough High School and worked at the Bay State Abrasives factory until 1998.
After retiring, Sylvester started to volunteer at the Knights of Columbus and Senior Center, and is known for cooking the food at monthly events.
“I really enjoy doing community work in the town,” said Sylvester. “There’s always been something in me that wants to work all the time.”
Horrigan, 70, joined the army in 1962 after graduating from Boston College with his bachelor’s degree. He served in the army’s 1st Cavalry Division in Korea from 1963 to 1964 before he joined Military Intelligence and served in Germany as a Staff Sergeant.
In 1966, Horrigan joined the Army Language Institute for Vietnamese to study the language. He shipped out to Vietnam in 1967 and worked with the people to gain important information for the military.
“I would cultivate sources of info for the military,” said Horringan. “I really enjoyed my service in the military. I’m glad I had the opportunity to do it.”
He returned to the U.S. in 1968 and worked with Army Intelligence before resigning in 1969.
Horrigan is an active member of the St. Luke’s Church parish and has volunteered with activities through the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and Westborough Youth Hockey.
Both Sylvester and Horrigan will be honored on Nov. 11 during the Veteran’s Day Ceremony. The services begin at 9 a.m. at the VFW Post 9013 on Milk Street and will proceed to Pine Grove Cemetery, the town’s Vietnam Memorial, the Forbes Municipal Building and Rotary before ending back at the VFW post. State Senator Jamie Eldridge, and State Representatives Caroline Dykema and Matt Beaton are scheduled to speak at the events as well.
All are welcome to attend.
“It was very enjoyable,” Sylvester said. “You don’t remember the bad things.”
When describing his military experience, Westborough resident Paul Horrigan calls it both “interesting” and “enjoyable.”
At this year’s Veteran’s Day services on Nov. 11th, both Sylvester and Horrigan will be honored for their military services as Grand Marshals. On Tuesday, the two veterans sat down with Ken Ferrera, Assistant Veteran’s Agent and host of Westborough TV’s ‘Veteran’s Corner,’ to talk about their experiences, the town and the upcoming event.
“I really felt unworthy (of this honor),” said Horrigan. “I never anticipated I would be Grand Marshal.”
According to Ferrera, the Veteran’s Day Grand Marshals are selected based on their military experience and their service in the community.
“We like to recognize people in the town who have supported the community,” said Ferrera.
Sylvester, 74, was born in Westborough and served three years in the army. He was drafted into the army at 22 and spent two and a half years with the 7th Army, 17th Artillery near Stuttgart, Germany, and was promoted to the rank of E4 before returning to the states. He was discharged in Dec. 1962 with good conduct and Sharpshooter Medals.
Upon returning to Westborough, Sylvester graduated from Westborough High School and worked at the Bay State Abrasives factory until 1998.
After retiring, Sylvester started to volunteer at the Knights of Columbus and Senior Center, and is known for cooking the food at monthly events.
“I really enjoy doing community work in the town,” said Sylvester. “There’s always been something in me that wants to work all the time.”
Horrigan, 70, joined the army in 1962 after graduating from Boston College with his bachelor’s degree. He served in the army’s 1st Cavalry Division in Korea from 1963 to 1964 before he joined Military Intelligence and served in Germany as a Staff Sergeant.
In 1966, Horrigan joined the Army Language Institute for Vietnamese to study the language. He shipped out to Vietnam in 1967 and worked with the people to gain important information for the military.
“I would cultivate sources of info for the military,” said Horringan. “I really enjoyed my service in the military. I’m glad I had the opportunity to do it.”
He returned to the U.S. in 1968 and worked with Army Intelligence before resigning in 1969.
Horrigan is an active member of the St. Luke’s Church parish and has volunteered with activities through the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and Westborough Youth Hockey.
Both Sylvester and Horrigan will be honored on Nov. 11 during the Veteran’s Day Ceremony. The services begin at 9 a.m. at the VFW Post 9013 on Milk Street and will proceed to Pine Grove Cemetery, the town’s Vietnam Memorial, the Forbes Municipal Building and Rotary before ending back at the VFW post. State Senator Jamie Eldridge, and State Representatives Caroline Dykema and Matt Beaton are scheduled to speak at the events as well.
All are welcome to attend.
2011年10月20日星期四
Wheels, Mounted Points Expose Abrasives as They Deburr
Rex-Cut Product’s Type 1 cotton-fiber abrasive wheels expose fresh abrasives as they work and do not change part geometry, making them suited for automated finishing applications on precision stainless steel parts. They feature multiple layers of non-woven cotton fabric impregnated with aluminum oxide or silicon carbide abrasives that are compressed with varying-bond hardness.
The wheels are available in sizes from 1- to 8-inch OD and ⅛- to ½-inch thick. They also are suitable for use on stainless steel, aluminum, steel and exotic alloys.
The company’s cotton-fiber mounted points also reveal fresh abrasives as they deburr and finish in one step, making them suited for end-of-arm-tooling (EOAT) in automated metal deburring and finishing applications. They feature multiple layers of non-woven cotton fiber and either aluminum oxide or silicon carbide abrasive grains that are pressed and bonded into standard A, B and W shapes.
The mounted points are available in hard and soft bonds, and can be produced in custom shapes and sizes for finishing slots, seams, internal cavities and other applications without changing part geometry. They also are suitable for stainless steel, titanium, Inconel, exotics and aluminum.
The wheels are available in sizes from 1- to 8-inch OD and ⅛- to ½-inch thick. They also are suitable for use on stainless steel, aluminum, steel and exotic alloys.
The company’s cotton-fiber mounted points also reveal fresh abrasives as they deburr and finish in one step, making them suited for end-of-arm-tooling (EOAT) in automated metal deburring and finishing applications. They feature multiple layers of non-woven cotton fiber and either aluminum oxide or silicon carbide abrasive grains that are pressed and bonded into standard A, B and W shapes.
The mounted points are available in hard and soft bonds, and can be produced in custom shapes and sizes for finishing slots, seams, internal cavities and other applications without changing part geometry. They also are suitable for stainless steel, titanium, Inconel, exotics and aluminum.
2011年10月19日星期三
For fine coal, a new separation equipment appears to help achieve the goal
Dry magnetic separator for dry magnetic separation of magnetic minerals beneficiation machinery, as opposed to wet magnetic separator to use when sorting mineral liquid as a diluent to improve separation efficiency, the dry magnetic separator is required to be separation of the mineral drying, particles can move freely, into independent free state, otherwise it will affect the magnetic effect, or even result in non-separation of the consequences.
As to the popular separation equipment, many manufactories and specilists make lots of researches to analyse and improve it. Therefore, a new separation equipment - dry permanent magnetic separator of fine coal appears.
Dry magnetic separator equipment is commonly used iron and manganese equipment, mainstream intensity magnetic separator mineral processing equipment. This series of dry magnetic separator for refractory, chemical materials, grain and oil machinery, abrasives, ceramics, metallurgy, cement, powder metallurgy, rubber, minerals and other materials in addition to (optional) Rail, and with Raymond , mill, ball mill supporting the use of.
It's popularized that dry permanent magnetic separator for coal separation in order to achieve desulphurization and dust reduction to ease enviromental pollution. However, due to weak magnetic coal minerals, conventional magnetic separator is far from for effective separation of fine coal. And the new permanent magnetic separator with reasonable magnetic system design is validated through mathematical modeling and analysis. At the polar distance of 0.45mm within the separation space, magnetic field strength can up to 1.3T. The new magnetic separator was used for different power plant for dry coal separation test, When the particle size is below 0.074mm, the desulfurization rate is 52.57%, 48.95%, respectively; and ash removal rate is 41.79%, 43.95%, respectively. The magnetic separator can achieve the dry coal pyrite separation; it also provides technical support for effective solution in coal-burning air pollution.
As to the popular separation equipment, many manufactories and specilists make lots of researches to analyse and improve it. Therefore, a new separation equipment - dry permanent magnetic separator of fine coal appears.
Dry magnetic separator equipment is commonly used iron and manganese equipment, mainstream intensity magnetic separator mineral processing equipment. This series of dry magnetic separator for refractory, chemical materials, grain and oil machinery, abrasives, ceramics, metallurgy, cement, powder metallurgy, rubber, minerals and other materials in addition to (optional) Rail, and with Raymond , mill, ball mill supporting the use of.
It's popularized that dry permanent magnetic separator for coal separation in order to achieve desulphurization and dust reduction to ease enviromental pollution. However, due to weak magnetic coal minerals, conventional magnetic separator is far from for effective separation of fine coal. And the new permanent magnetic separator with reasonable magnetic system design is validated through mathematical modeling and analysis. At the polar distance of 0.45mm within the separation space, magnetic field strength can up to 1.3T. The new magnetic separator was used for different power plant for dry coal separation test, When the particle size is below 0.074mm, the desulfurization rate is 52.57%, 48.95%, respectively; and ash removal rate is 41.79%, 43.95%, respectively. The magnetic separator can achieve the dry coal pyrite separation; it also provides technical support for effective solution in coal-burning air pollution.
2011年10月18日星期二
Sliberondeller til store overflader
Norton lancerer ved Saint-Gobain Abrasives A/S et nyt sortiment af sliberondeller specielt til anvendelse på store overflader. De nye rondeller har diamanter på 203 mm og findes i mange forskellige designs.
Ved slibning af store overflader lettes arbejdet hvis man anvender store sliberondeller, hvilket giver en mere effektiv slibning og et bedre resultat. Nortons nye sortiment med 203 mm sliberondeller anvendes især til slibning af primer og lakerede/malede overflader, komposit, glasfiber, ikke-jernholdige materialer som for eksempel aluminium.
Anvendelsesområdet findes især i billakering, skibs- og bådbygning og reparation samt fremstilling af produkter i kompositmaterialer.
De nye rondeller findes til grov og fin slibning. Til grov slibning anvendes Norton Blue Fire som har Norzon slibemiddel og en kraftigt og modstandsdygtig papir ryg. Denne rondel findes i korn 40-120. Norton Pro rondellerne anvendes til finere slibning. Her er anvendt et varmebehandlet, høj præsterende aluminiumoxid slibekorn samt en belægning som modvirker mætning.
Norton Pro rondeller findes i korn 80-400. Til meget fin slibning anvendes Norton Pro Plus som findes op til korn 800. Denne rondel er belagt med et Premium Norzon SG keramisk slibekorn og varmebehandlet aluminiumoxid som giver den hurtigste afvirkning og et meget jævnt og konstant slibemønster.
Ved slibning af store overflader lettes arbejdet hvis man anvender store sliberondeller, hvilket giver en mere effektiv slibning og et bedre resultat. Nortons nye sortiment med 203 mm sliberondeller anvendes især til slibning af primer og lakerede/malede overflader, komposit, glasfiber, ikke-jernholdige materialer som for eksempel aluminium.
Anvendelsesområdet findes især i billakering, skibs- og bådbygning og reparation samt fremstilling af produkter i kompositmaterialer.
De nye rondeller findes til grov og fin slibning. Til grov slibning anvendes Norton Blue Fire som har Norzon slibemiddel og en kraftigt og modstandsdygtig papir ryg. Denne rondel findes i korn 40-120. Norton Pro rondellerne anvendes til finere slibning. Her er anvendt et varmebehandlet, høj præsterende aluminiumoxid slibekorn samt en belægning som modvirker mætning.
Norton Pro rondeller findes i korn 80-400. Til meget fin slibning anvendes Norton Pro Plus som findes op til korn 800. Denne rondel er belagt med et Premium Norzon SG keramisk slibekorn og varmebehandlet aluminiumoxid som giver den hurtigste afvirkning og et meget jævnt og konstant slibemønster.
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