scholarly journals Open-Source Digitally Replicable Lab-Grade Scales

Instruments ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin R. Hubbard ◽  
Joshua M. Pearce
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Load Cell ◽  
Significant Cost ◽  
Load Cells ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Cell Data ◽  
Precision Balance ◽  
Multiple Load

This study provides designs for a low-cost, easily replicable open-source lab-grade digital scale that can be used as a precision balance. The design is such that it can be manufactured for use in most labs throughout the world with open-source RepRap-class material extrusion-based 3-D printers for the mechanical components and readily available open-source electronics including the Arduino Nano. Several versions of the design were fabricated and tested for precision and accuracy for a range of load cells. The results showed the open-source scale was found to be repeatable within 0.05 g with multiple load cells, with even better precision (0.005 g) depending on load cell range and style. The scale tracks linearly with proprietary lab-grade scales, meeting the performance specified in the load cell data sheets, indicating that it is accurate across the range of the load cell installed. The smallest load cell tested (100 g) offers precision on the order of a commercial digital mass balance. The scale can be produced at significant cost savings compared to scales of comparable range and precision when serial capability is present. The cost savings increase significantly as the range of the scale increases and are particularly well-suited for resource-constrained medical and scientific facilities.

scholarly journals Open Source Digitally Replicable Lab-Grade Scales

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin R. Hubbard ◽  
Joshua M. Pearce
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Load Cell ◽  
Significant Cost ◽  
Load Cells ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Cell Data ◽  
Precision Balance ◽  
Multiple Load

This study provides designs for a low-cost, easily replicable open source lab-grade digital scale that can be used as a precision balance. The design is such that it can be manufactured for use in most labs throughout the world with open source RepRap-class material extrusion-based 3-D printers for the mechanical components and readily available open source electronics including the Arduino Nano. Several versions of the design were fabricated and tested for precision and accuracy for a range of load cells. The results showed the open source scale was found to be repeatable within 0.1g with multiple load cells, with even better precision (0.01g) depending on load cell range and style. The scale tracks linearly with proprietary lab-grade scales, meeting the performance specified in the load cell data sheets, indicating that it is accurate across the range of the load cell installed. The smallest loadcell tested(100g) offers precision on the order of a commercial digital mass balance. The scale can be produced at significant cost savings compared to scales of comparable range and precision when serial capability is present. The cost savings increase significantly as the range of the scale increases and are particularly well-suited for resource-constrained medical and scientific facilities.

scholarly journals Surgical instrumentation: the true cost of instrument trays and a potential strategy for optimization

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie M. Mhlaba ◽  
Emily W. Stockert ◽  
Martin Coronel ◽  
Alexander J. Langerman
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The United States ◽  
Waste Reduction ◽  
Significant Cost ◽  
Instrument Type ◽  
Hospital Revenue ◽  
Potential Strategy ◽  
The Cost

Objective: Operating rooms (OR) generate a large portion of hospital revenue and waste. Consequently, improving efficiency and reducing waste is a high priority. Our objective was to quantify waste associated with opened but unused instruments from trays and to compare this with the cost of individually wrapping instruments.Methods: Data was collected from June to November of 2013 in a 550-bed hospital in the United States. We recorded the instrument usage of two commonly-used trays for ten cases each. The time to decontaminate and reassemble instrument trays and peel packs was measured, and the cost to reprocess one instrument was calculated.Results: Average utilization was 14% for the Plastic Soft Tissue Tray and 29% for the Major Laparotomy Tray. Of 98 instruments in the Plastics tray (n = 10), 0% was used in all cases observed and 59% were used in no observed cases. Of 110 instruments in the Major Tray (n = 10), 0% was used in all cases observed and 25% were used in no observed cases. Average cost to reprocess one instrument was $0.34-$0.47 in a tray and $0.81-$0.84 in a peel pack, or individually-wrapped instrument.Conclusions: We estimate that the cost of peel packing an instrument is roughly two times the cost of tray packing. Therefore, it becomes more cost effective from a processing standpoint to package an instrument in a peel pack when there is less than a 42%-56% probability of use depending on instrument type. This study demonstrates an opportunity for reorganization of instrument delivery that could result in a significant cost-savings and waste reduction.

scholarly journals Textbook Alternative Incentive Programs at U.S. Universities: A Review of the Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 105-123
Author(s):  
Ashley Lierman
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
The United States ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Impact Measurement ◽  
Grant Programs ◽  
Incentive Programs ◽  
Financial Investments ◽  
Faculty Time ◽  
The Cost

Objective – This article reviews current literature on incentive grant programs for textbook alternatives at universities and their libraries. Of particular interest in this review are common patterns and factors in the design, development, and implementation of these initiatives at the programmatic level, trends in the results of assessment of programs, and unique elements of certain institutions’ programs. Methods – The review was limited in scope to studies in scholarly and professional publications of textbook alternative incentive programs at universities within the United States of America, published within ten years prior to the investigation. A comprehensive literature search was conducted and then subjected to analysis for trends and patterns. Results – Studies of these types of programs have reported substantial total cost savings to affected students compared to the relatively small financial investments that are required to establish them. The majority of incentive programs were led by university libraries, although the most successful efforts appear to have been broadly collaborative in nature. Programs are well-regarded by students and faculty, with benefits to pedagogy and access to materials beyond the cost savings to students. The field of replacing textbooks with alternatives is still evolving, however, and the required investment of faculty time and effort is still a barrier, while inconsistent approaches to impact measurement make it difficult to compare programs or establish best practices. Conclusion – Overall, the literature shows evidence of significant benefits from incentive programs at a relatively low cost. Furthermore, these programs are opportunities to establish cross-campus partnerships and collaborations, and collaboration seems to be effective at helping to reduce barriers and increase impact. Further research is needed on similar programs at community colleges and at higher education institutions internationally.

A Load Cell System in Foot Pressure Analysis

1982 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 121-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
W V James ◽  
J F Orr ◽  
T Huddleston
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Load Cell ◽  
Foot Pressure ◽  
Cost System ◽  
Pressure Sensitive ◽  
Low Profile ◽  
Load Cells ◽  
Pressure Analysis

A method of displaying discrete areas of pressure beneath the foot has been produced. The device employs a pressure sensitive elastomer which gives quantitative readings of the pressure developed. The 512 load cells are enclosed in a low profile platform only one inch in depth which provides a low-cost system that can be employed in clinical situations.

Open-source 3D printed sensors for hand strength assessment: Validation of low-cost load cell and fabric sensor-based systems

2018 ◽  
Vol 65 (5) ◽  
pp. 412-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia R. Cutler ◽  
Anita L. Hamilton ◽  
Emma Hough ◽  
Cheyenne M. Baines ◽  
Ross A. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Load Cell ◽  
Hand Strength ◽  
Strength Assessment ◽  
Assessment Validation ◽  
Printed Sensors ◽  
3D Printed

An Experiment in Design and Materials: Undergraduate Students Designing Test Machines

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. Ridgely
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Test Machine ◽  
Digital Counter ◽  
Load Cells ◽  
Counter Circuit ◽  
Student Projects

An exercise has been developed for an undergraduate design laboratory. In the exercise, students design, build, and test load cells, then build computer interfaced tensile testing machines in which the load cells are integrated. Data is acquired through the use of a simple, low-cost bridge amplifier and digital counter circuit which was developed for this exercise. The circuit design and software are released as an open source project to encourage widespread use and participation by the academic community. The tensile test machine exercise has been tested on a group of 45 junior-level mechanical engineering students, with significant success in students demonstrating an understanding of the principles taught. The open source interface is being adopted by other courses and student projects at the host University; use at other institutions is encouraged.

scholarly journals СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЕ ГИДРОМЕЛИОРАТИВНЫХ МАШИНС  АВТОМАТИЗАЦИЕЙ ПРОЦЕССА ПОЛИВА

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Akhtyamov ◽  
A. Ryazantsev ◽  
O. Gavrilina ◽  
A. Boyko ◽  
S. Borychev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Economic Effect ◽  
Hydraulic Drive ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
High Productivity ◽  
Low Degree ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Positive Results ◽  
Horizontal Arrangement

Целью исследования являлось теоретическое обоснование и практическая реализация нового способа полива гидромелиоративной машиной Фрегат с гидроприводом на сложном рельефе с минимальными затратами на модернизацию и энергозатратами. Объектом исследования является экспериментальный кранзадатчик скорости, устанавливаемый на гидромелиоративную машину. Исследования проводились в сравнении с показателями машин серийного производства. В ходе исследования было установлено, что существующая технология полива не отвечает необходимым требованиям гидромелиорации и имеет низкую степень экономической эффективности. Предлагаемая технология полива решает вопрос неравномерного распределения влаги по площади, повышает урожайность и снижает стоимость обслуживания машины вследствие уменьшения числа поломок. Имеющиеся модернизации дождевальной машины (ДМ) Фрегат , позволяющие работать по предлагаемой технологии, сложны по конструкции, ненадежны и имеют относительно высокую стоимость модернизации и сезонного обслуживания. С целью увеличения экономии средств и упрощения процесса модернизации серийных машин был разработан и протестирован кранзадатчик скорости, позволяющий снизить риск эрозии почв, застревания колес тележек и, тем самым, простой машины с необходимостью ее ремонта. Главной особенностью экспериментального краназадатчика скорости является его горизонтальное расположение относительно тележки. Два плеча с увеличенной длиной позволяют задавать поливную норму путем касания вех в начале каждого сектора, где необходимо сменить скорость движения машины. Таким образом, происходит регулирование поливной нормы, выдаваемой машиной при ее движении по орошаемой площади. Получившийся экономический эффект позволяет утверждать о положительных результатах в проведенных исследованияхThe aim of the research is the theoretical justification and practical implementation of the new method of irrigation irrigation and drainage machines Frigat with hydraulic drive for complex tasks of modernization and energy consumption. The object of the study is an experimental speedadjusting crane installed on a water reclamation machine. The studies were conducted in comparison with indicators of machine production. In the course of research it was found that the existing technology does not meet the requirements of irrigation and drainage and has a low degree of economic efficiency. The issue of uneven distribution of the owner by area, high productivity and low cost of maintenance is being addressed. DM Frigat, which allows you to work on the proposed technologies, does not require the cost of modernization and seasonal maintenance. In order to increase cost savings and develop new models of machines, a speed control crane has been developed and tested to reduce the risk of machine destruction. The operation of the trolley is the horizontal arrangement of the trolley. The speed of the machine can be increased. Thus, regulation of the irrigation rate occurs. The resulting economic effect allows us to argue about the positive results in the studies

scholarly journals PROTOTYPE EXPERIENCE WITH RUBBLE MOUND BREAKWATERS

1986 ◽  
Vol 1 (20) ◽  
pp. 153
Author(s):  
K.J. MacIntosh ◽  
W.F. Baird
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cost Structure ◽  
Simple Construction ◽  
Significant Cost ◽  
Prototype Experience ◽  
Rubble Mound ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Rubble Mound Breakwaters

At the 19th ICE Conference in Houston in 1984 an alternative concept for the design of rubble mound breakwaters was introduced. This concept has the objective of providing a least cost structure by optimizing the use of locally available materials and utilizing simple construction procedures. Contractors' bids demonstrated that significant cost savings could be achieved, when compared to the cost of traditional designs. Considerable prototype experience has now been obtained with this concept of breakwaters. Breakwaters have been built using the concept in Canada, the United States, and Iceland since 1984 and have been subjected to storms and ice action. Prototype observations have supported the performance predicted during the design process. In this paper surveys of a breakwater taken after construction and after storm action are presented. In addition to wave action, this breakwater has also been subjected to extensive ice action. The response of the breakwater has been monitored and observed and is discussed.

scholarly journals Formatting Open Science: agile creation of multiple document types by writing academic manuscripts in pandoc markdown

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Krewinkel ◽  
Robert Winkler
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Collaborative Writing ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Open Science ◽  
Global Network ◽  
Open Access Publishing ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Online Publishing ◽  
Cost Distribution ◽  
The Cost

The timely publication of scientific results is essential for dynamic advances in science. The ubiquitous availability of computers which are connected to a global network made the rapid and low-cost distribution of information through electronic channels possible. New concepts, such as Open Access publishing and preprint servers are currently changing the traditional print media business towards a community-driven peer production. However, the cost of scientific literature generation, which is either charged to readers, authors or sponsors, is still high. The main active participants in the authoring and evaluation of scientific manuscripts are volunteers, and the cost for online publishing infrastructure is close to negligible. A major time and cost factor though is the formatting of manuscripts in the production stage. In this article we demonstrate the feasibility to write scientific manuscripts in plain markdown (MD) text files, which can be easily converted into common publication formats, such as PDF, HTML or EPUB, using pandoc. The simple syntax of markdown assures the long-term readability of raw files and the development of software and workflows. We show the implementation of typical elements of scientific manuscripts -- formulas, tables, code blocks and citations -- and present tools for editing, collaborative writing and version control. We give an example on how to prepare a manuscript with distinct output formats, a DOCX file for submission to a journal and a LATEX/PDF version for deposition as a PeerJ preprint. Reducing the work spent on manuscript formatting translates directly to time and cost savings for writers, publishers, readers and sponsors. Therefore, the adoption of the MD format contributes to the agile production of open science literature.

scholarly journals Design Development of a Coffee Maker using Design for Assembly Method

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 4041-4047
Keyword(s):  
Cost Savings ◽  
Design For Assembly ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Significant Cost ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Assembly Method ◽  
Current Design ◽  
Manual Handling ◽  
Improved Design ◽  
The Cost

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the design of a coffee maker by using Boothroyd Dewhurst Method which this method is one of the Design for Assembly (DFA) methods. DFA method will help to simplify the assembly designs of the product that will leads to significant cost savings and less tine to produce a product. Main objective of DFA is to estimate the difficulty of assembly, eliminate unnecessary parts and assembly tooling and design products that are less costly to manufacture. The study will focus on analyzing the current design of coffee maker, reducing the number of parts, comparing the design efficiency and the cost between the current and improved design. The product is evaluated by using Manual Handling Table and Manual Insertion Table. The results of current design are used to make improvement to the coffee maker. Then, new design is made by eliminating or combining the old design so that total cost and time for assemble the coffe maker is reduced. Lastly, comparison is made between new and old design.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document