Saturday, April 15, 2006

Panasonic Batteries

Panasonic makes a variety of dry AGM rechargeable batteries for all types of needs. Panasonic manufactures a wide range, for any portable electronic or device needs. When shopping for replacement batteries for anything from small hand held electronics to automotives, Panasonic is a excellent choice for batteries.

Panasonic is a manufacturer of numerous battery types.12 and 6V batteries are used for heavy machinery, automotives, or marine power supplies. 4 and 8 volt batteries are used for a number of things that may require less power like digital cameras and other hand held devices. Panasonic's AGM batteries may be used in a variety of things such as wheelchairs, emergency lighting, small engines, and starters.

Panasonic is known for their qualities batteries that will last a lifetime. Panasonic batteries have a number of protective qualities. All batteries are manufactured with resistance to things such as overcharge, improper discharge, vibration, shock, and varying storage conditions. This is very important for batteries that are not used frequently and need to be ready on demand.

Panasonic batteries vary greatly in price because there are many different types of batteries. Depending, price can range anywhere from $50 to $400. It all depends on the technology of the battery and what it is being used for. Smaller batteries for things like handheld electronics require less power and are generally less expensive. Higher voltage batteries for auto, marine, or other equipment are much larger, heavier, and more costly.

Panasonic batteries are a one stop shop for all battery needs. When purchasing Panasonic batteries, consumers can be certain they have purchased a dependable battery that can be relied on for any type of equipment.

How To Find A Good Pitching Machine?

Pitching machines are a unique commodity that can work to address any problems you may be having inside the batting box. Whether you are a Little League star or a professional baseball champion, the benefits of using a quality pitching machine is numerous. However, the task of choosing a sound pitching machine are often overwhelming, as each machine has a different quality, attribute, and cost associated with the machinery. If you are in the market of choosing a good pitching machine for yourself or your baseball star, consider these pointers.

First, look to a pitching machine that is soundly build and uses quality materials. This will not only allow you to invest in a better quality machine, but also get the most use out of your pitching machine. If necessary, you may need to expand your budget in order to purchase a pitching machine that is able to hold up through standard wear and tear associated with practices. Even though you will be investing a greater amount of money in the beginning, you will save by not having to shell out cash for costly repairs or even replacement of the entire machine.

Next, look to a pitching machine with several options in regards to the style and speed of pitch. This is critical if you are purchasing the machine for a younger player who will need to expand his or her game in order to successfully take the faster pitches. Furthermore, the biggest complaint that coaches have the pitching machines is their ability to perfectly replicate a pitch each and every time. This replication allows the player the comfort of knowing exactly what type of pitch to expect, which is not the case when it comes to actual play or practicing against a human pitcher. By having a machine that can vary the speed, style, and location of the pitches, you will be able to better perform on the diamond.

Additionally, choose a machine that is built solid enough for your needs. Develop a budget and work to find options within your price range that are appropriate for your needs. A beginning baseball or softball player does not need a pitching machine that is found in commercial batting cages or in the equipment rooms of professional ball clubs. Furthermore, an advancing player may need a machine that can advance with his or her skills. Having a player practice with an inappropriate machine is often as detrimental as not practicing with a machine at all. Once you have established your needs and budget, begin looking on the market to find an appropriate pitching machine that meets all of your criteria.

Keep in mind that the purchase of a good quality pitching machine requires you to have an appropriate area in which to house the machine itself. Often, smaller years are prohibitive of the permanent installation of the pitching machine without also installing a batting cage. Consider looking to a portable machine that you can take with you during practices to ensure both the machine and the player has ample room to practice. Furthermore, safety is a huge concern when it comes to the purchase of a good quality pitching machine, so you should invest in the proper protective gear, namely a well constructed batting helmet.

When looking to purchase a pitching machine, consider your local sporting supply store. Often, the purchase of more professional machines requires you to turn to a store that specializes in softball or baseball merchandise or a catalog that sells directly to the general public. The World Wide Web is an excellent tool for both researching and purchasing high quality pitching machines, so consider this another option during your search.

Optima Batteries. Spiral sealed lead acid battery technology.

Optima’s Spiral sealed lead acid batteries are available for a wide range of automotive equipment. Optima manufactures deep cycle batteries for automotive, marine and truck. When purchasing batteries it is important to know the specifications of the battery you need. There are a great number of optima batteries.

Optima batteries are a specialized type of battery know as absorbent glass mat, or AGM. In AGM batteries, electrolyte is absorbed by plates of fiberglass, and makes the battery sealed, and maintenance free. In the Optima battery, the mats are spiral which helps to relieve pressure of the mats and makes the battery more powerful.

Different types. Optima batteries are large batteries that are used for a number of high powered machines. They provide a strong and clean power source that helps batteries to last longer and be more effective in deep cycle start ups. There are 12v or 6v batteries depending on the type of equipment.

Optima’s Spiral sealed acid technology is a great and safe alternative in battery technology. When the battery is purchased it may be shipped normally, and there is no need to add electrolyte. Optima batteries are also safer than “spillable” batteries because they can be placed in any manner as opposed to being kept upright.

The Optima is truly an all around low maintenance battery. Beyond the fact it requires no activation, it is also composed of the best corrosion free components. Optima batteries also withstand higher temperatures, which allows them to last longer than traditional batteries. And the safety and functionality of the Optima battery is available for all types of machinery, whether it is auto, marine, or truck.

Is it the valve or is it the cylinder; whichever, it's costing you a lot of money?

Reducing air leaks in your plant can save thousands of dollars annually. Compressed air is one of the most costly forms of energy you can use in your plant, of course, it's one of the most versatile, fast and strong too.

When it's "quiet time" in the plant, wander around the machinery and listen. You will often hear the gentle (or perhaps not so gentle) hissing of air escaping from the exhaust port of your air valves.

The sound of compressed air "chewing up your dollars" as it wafts to atmosphere can be muted if your air valves have mufflers in the exhaust ports, but nevertheless, it can be heard.

Also, there are commercially available ultra-sonic compressed air leak detectors on the market. If your plant doesn't have a "quiet time", which would enable you to actually hear the leaks yourself, investing in an ultrasonic leak detector can bring substantial payback in energy savings.

Usually you'll have one air valve connected to one air cylinder. Usually that cylinder will be double acting - which means that it will have two air lines running to it, and as the air valve shifts back and forth, air will alternatively flow to the cylinder through one line or the other. When it's flowing into one line to the cylinder, the other line is allowing the air at the other end of the cylinder to flow through the valve to exhaust.

While an air valve and cylinder are doing work of course there will be air being exhausted continuously from the air valve exhaust ports.

It's when the machine is down, when it's doing no useful - and hopefully money generating work for you - that air should not be escaping through the valve exhaust ports. At this point that loss of compressed air is just that; loss - of profits - of money.

Inside, the two ends of the cylinder are separated by a piston. The piston is what drives the rod out and back as the cylinder cycles.

Around that piston will be an air seal that "crunches" between the side of the piston and the inside of the cylinder barrel, effectively stopping air from flowing by (bypassing) the piston.

In time that seal will wear, and air will start bypassing into the other side. This means that this air now has an open path from the supply side down the other air line to the valve, and thence to the exhaust port. And a gentle (or not so gentle) hiss occurs as your compressed air dollars exhaust to atmosphere.

Or....inside your air valve there is, too, a series of seals that normally prevent air from getting from the air supply side into the exhaust side of the valve, and then out the exhaust port. And that air, as it gently (or not so....etc. ) is pouring your compressed air dollars from the plant air supply.

So, which is it that's leaking; the seal around the piston in the cylinder, or the seal inside the valve that stops the incoming air from getting across to the exhaust port without going up to the cylinder?

Have a look at the cylinder. If the rod is out, air will be entering the air port at the rear of the cylinder. If the cylinder is in - retracted, the air will be coming into the cylinder at the rod end.

Take the air line that is charged, that is, the air line that is supplying air to the cylinder, and crimp it. Many air lines are made of polyethylene or polypropylene, and it's quite easy to make a bit of a bend in the air line, effectively shutting off air to the cylinder.

Listen at the valve. If the air has stopped escaping the valve's exhaust port, then it's the seal in the cylinder that's at fault.

If, after ensuring that the air to the cylinder is completely stopped, air continues to exhaust from the exhaust port of the valve, then it's the seal inside the air valve that's at fault.

Regardless of which is the culprit, the air valve or the cylinder, get it fixed....fast! Compressed air costs a bundle. You don't want to waste it.

Is it the valve or is it the cylinder; whichever, it's costing you a lot of money?

Reducing air leaks in your plant can save thousands of dollars annually. Compressed air is one of the most costly forms of energy you can use in your plant, of course, it's one of the most versatile, fast and strong too.

When it's "quiet time" in the plant, wander around the machinery and listen. You will often hear the gentle (or perhaps not so gentle) hissing of air escaping from the exhaust port of your air valves.

The sound of compressed air "chewing up your dollars" as it wafts to atmosphere can be muted if your air valves have mufflers in the exhaust ports, but nevertheless, it can be heard.

Also, there are commercially available ultra-sonic compressed air leak detectors on the market. If your plant doesn't have a "quiet time", which would enable you to actually hear the leaks yourself, investing in an ultrasonic leak detector can bring substantial payback in energy savings.

Usually you'll have one air valve connected to one air cylinder. Usually that cylinder will be double acting - which means that it will have two air lines running to it, and as the air valve shifts back and forth, air will alternatively flow to the cylinder through one line or the other. When it's flowing into one line to the cylinder, the other line is allowing the air at the other end of the cylinder to flow through the valve to exhaust.

While an air valve and cylinder are doing work of course there will be air being exhausted continuously from the air valve exhaust ports.

It's when the machine is down, when it's doing no useful - and hopefully money generating work for you - that air should not be escaping through the valve exhaust ports. At this point that loss of compressed air is just that; loss - of profits - of money.

Inside, the two ends of the cylinder are separated by a piston. The piston is what drives the rod out and back as the cylinder cycles.

Around that piston will be an air seal that "crunches" between the side of the piston and the inside of the cylinder barrel, effectively stopping air from flowing by (bypassing) the piston.

In time that seal will wear, and air will start bypassing into the other side. This means that this air now has an open path from the supply side down the other air line to the valve, and thence to the exhaust port. And a gentle (or not so gentle) hiss occurs as your compressed air dollars exhaust to atmosphere.

Or....inside your air valve there is, too, a series of seals that normally prevent air from getting from the air supply side into the exhaust side of the valve, and then out the exhaust port. And that air, as it gently (or not so....etc. ) is pouring your compressed air dollars from the plant air supply.

So, which is it that's leaking; the seal around the piston in the cylinder, or the seal inside the valve that stops the incoming air from getting across to the exhaust port without going up to the cylinder?

Have a look at the cylinder. If the rod is out, air will be entering the air port at the rear of the cylinder. If the cylinder is in - retracted, the air will be coming into the cylinder at the rod end.

Take the air line that is charged, that is, the air line that is supplying air to the cylinder, and crimp it. Many air lines are made of polyethylene or polypropylene, and it's quite easy to make a bit of a bend in the air line, effectively shutting off air to the cylinder.

Listen at the valve. If the air has stopped escaping the valve's exhaust port, then it's the seal in the cylinder that's at fault.

If, after ensuring that the air to the cylinder is completely stopped, air continues to exhaust from the exhaust port of the valve, then it's the seal inside the air valve that's at fault.

Regardless of which is the culprit, the air valve or the cylinder, get it fixed....fast! Compressed air costs a bundle. You don't want to waste it.

Battery-Powered-Tools, How to Get the Most From Them

I remember a few years ago one of the sales people at my local hardware store told me they were expecting the arrival of new battery powered circular saw, I think it was a Makita. On hearing the phrase “battery powered circular saw”, I laughed out loud and told him to call me when the battery powered table saws arrive. Within a couple of years I had purchased one of those battery powered circular saws that I so willingly scoffed at just a couple of years earlier. I soon discovered that having portable tools had huge benefits. That’s why companies like Porter-Cable, Makita, Delta and others have focused on these areas.

These days battery powered tools are available is drills, drivers, impact drivers, routers, jig saws, portable planers, circular saws, reciprocating saws and chop saws, and even Ryobi has battery powered chain saw that works well for big jobs that other tools can’t handle. So to see how to get the most from these tools.

Lets stop for a moment and look at batteries that power these units. Most power packs that drive these tools are a series of small rechargeable batteries all wired together to give the optimum power. These rechargeable batteries are very similar to the flashlight batteries that you buy for your TV clicker and garage door opener and various other home products.

The difference between rechargeable batteries like Duracel and Eveready, are that the rechargeables have higher quality shells and consist of slightly different components to make them safe to recharge. The rechargeable batteries that are wired together are normally nickle cadmium (nicad) 1.2 volt batteries. When they are wired together in series ... 8 together equals 9.6 volt, 10 together equals 12.2 volt, 12 together equals 14.4 and so on. That is how more power is generated, more little batteries, more power, and of course, more weight.

The more batteries that are wired together, the greater the torque (or twisting power) of the tool. Torque is created by a combination of horse power and speed, and high speed does not necessarily mean high power. Conversely high power does not necessarily come with high speed..

You will find another type of battery on the market called a “nickle-metal-hydride” (Ni-MH). These batteries use compounds that give the batteries a slightly longer life (they also cost a bit more to purchase). Some contractors prefer tools that will give them longer battery life which is the reason for this more advanced rechargeable battery version.

As woodworkers, we all know one thing, HEAT is our greatest enemy. When saw blades get too hot they lose their tensility and become dull, screws that are driven into hardwoods can snap because of the high heat created by friction, and heat can burn out the electric motors of our machinery if we are not careful. Heat is also the enemy of batteries. All batteries heat up when they are being recharged. The larger battery packs such as 18 volts and larger tend to heat up even more because there are so many batteries in the packs and they don’t have heat dispersion characteristics as smaller packs because there are so many batteries next to one another. Batteries tend not to take a charge when they are hot, so keeping the ambient temperature normal to cool is a benefit.

On the flip side, batteries do not do well in cold either. Once the temperature drops below 14 degrees Fahrenheit ( minus 10 Celsius) batteries do not perform well (if at all). Most batteries will lose their power when the temperature gets this low.

The recharging of batteries is a bit of a mystery to a many people. The tendency is to keep batteries fully charged all the time. In truth, batteries need to be exercised in order to keep them in top shape. This means they should be fully discharged every few months, then fully re-charged. “Topping” up battery charges will make the batteries lose their effectiveness, and after a time they will only take a partial charge because that is what they have become accustomed to. This means they will lose their ability to use the full charge. If your older cordless device is doing this, sometimes you can rejuvenate the battery by charging and FULLY discharging it several time.

My old 9.6 Craftsman portable drill, which is now 10 years old has been one of the best tools I have ever owned. I have no idea how many screws it has driven, holes it has bored or blades it has ground, but it’s batteries have almost given up now. I checked on the price of new batteries and it will be more cost effective for me to upgrade to a whole new unit ... but I have no intention of getting a big hulking unit, with tons of power, I don’t need it and I refuse to pack around all that battery weight, so I am currently investigating some 12 volt units and looking forward to another 10 years of service from my new drill, and when I need more power, I always have my trusty plug-in drill, and the hassle of extension cords that goes with it.

What Are CNC Programming Services Do?

CNC stands for Computer numerical control. Just about every business that operates a manufacturing machine will usually have a cnc programming service operating it. The basic function of a cnc programming service has a cnc machine running it. The cnc machine is an automatic, precise, and consistent motion control mechanism. In the past, most automated machines needed someone to stand by the machine to make sure it was lined up properly and made sure that it repeated a certain function that is required from the machine. For a better explanation, I'm going to use the example the website I researched for this information used to make things a bit more clear. A drill press is used to machine holes, this is a repetitive motion, however, a person must stand over the machine to line up the drill with the holes and make sure the drill stays lined up. A person is required to do something every step of the way. However, a person can only do so much, and as production grows so will the amount of “holes” so to speak, and the operator will eventually find it hard to keep up. In order to create more production, a cnc programming service and set up can be added. The cnc machine can do everything that an operator would be required to do. Once the machine is setup and running, it can take the place of the operators, the cnc machine is so easy to run, the operators tend to get bored during lengthy productions.

The cnc machine or course can do much more complicated operations that require much higher skill levels. A cnc programming service can improve automation so much that most of the time operator intervention can be reduced or all together eliminated to do other things. The second benefit is that cnc programming services and technology is consistent and accurate and once the program is verified, the machine will run efficiently and consistent, no matter how many work pieces need to be produced. A third benefit offered by most forms of CNC machine tools is flexibility. Since these machines are run from programs, running a different work piece is almost as easy as loading a different program. Once a program has been verified and executed for one production run, it can be easily recalled the next time the work piece is to be run. This leads to yet another benefit, a fast change over. Since these machines are very easy to setup and run, and since programs can be easily loaded, they allow very short setup time. Rather than applying completely mechanical devices to cause motion as is required on most conventional machine tools, CNC machines allow motion control in a revolutionary manner. All forms of CNC equipment have two or more directions of motion, called axes. These axes can be precisely and automatically positioned along their lengths of travel. If you need more information about cnc programming services there is a lot of information about it online.

Five Great Exercise Machines for Burning Fat

These exercise machines are related to cardiovascular and aerobic workouts. The equipment listed here allows for more challenges and more variety in your exercise routines. These machines are great for anyone looking to lose weight and improve their overall health.

Some advanced exercising machines include electronic devices that measure your weight before and after you do the exercise, the amount of calories you burned, time elapsed, heart rate, and other useful information. Let’s look at what these mackines are and what benefits they provide.

Treadmill:

A treadmill is an exercising device consisting of an endless belt on which a person can walk or jog with or without changing pace . It is supported by a sturdy deck propelled either by an electric motor or by the user. It generally has some shock absorption system, usually rubber cushioning, to minimize stress on your joints.

Using a treadmill will speed up your metabolic rate and allow your body to absorb and utilize greater quantities of the nutrients that you consume. It will also help to stabilize your blood pressure and blood sugar as well as increase your energy level.
When using a treadmill to burn fat and lose weight, you need to exercise on a daily basis.

A treadmill helps you burn more calories by increasing your exercise frequency. It gives you a LOT of workout versatility. You can start with a slow walk and then speed it up as your body gets into better shape, and there are also various incline levels to provide extra resistance when you become more advanced. By using the large muscles of the legs, a treadmill helps you burn more fat calories.

Elliptical Trainer:

Elliptical trainers are exercise machines which combine the natural stride of a treadmill and the simplicity of a stair climber. On an Elliptical trainer, you stand comfortably in an upright position while holding onto the machine's handrails and striding in either a forward or reverse motion.

The elliptical trainer burns more calories than either the treadmill or the exercise bike. With an elliptical cross trainer, you get the benefits of both aerobic and resistance exercises without the wear and tear on your joints. It provides a great cardio workout that pumps you heart to the max without the strain and stress on your joints. It uses all of the muscles of the lower leg. Therefore, you will strengthen and build your lower legs. This is an ideal workout for those exercisers out there who are overweight and do not want to jog.

Exercise Bikes:

There are two types of exercise bikes you can use, upright bikes and recumbent bikes. Upright bikes simulate the action of a real bike except you do not go anywhere. Recumbent bikes on the other hand, have bucket seats which have the pedals out in front of you. Exercise bikes are great for cardiovascular fitness and toning or building your thighs. The recumbent bikes are especially good for toning your butt. Being stationary, you can enjoy your favorite magazine or TV program while working out.

For overweight people, the recumbent bike offers bucket seats which can be more comfortable than traditional uprights. This type of bike is more ergonomically correct than a traditional upright exercise bike and an effective way to improve aerobic capacity, as well as burn fat. Plus, it offers more back support and may be a little more comfortable to those people with lower back pain.

Rowers:

There are two types of rowing machines. A hydraulic machine uses a piston to provide the resistance. With a cable-driven machine, your pull spins a flywheel which produces a smooth action similar to rowing on water. The smoothness of the flywheel creates little strain on the back. If handles are not adjusted properly for height differences, hydraulic rowers can create back strain.

Rowing machines provide a whole-body aerobic workout: arms, shoulders, back, abdomen, legs, heart and lungs. It also builds muscle strength and endurance in addition to the aerobic benefits. It improves your whole cardiovascular system with a low impact workout. Other benefits include improved flexibility and muscle strengthening in the arms, abdomen, and back.

Steppers:

Steppers are available as simple hydraulic steppers or as computerized stair steppers. It tones the buttocks, thighs and hips. These are the areas that, paticularly in women, have a tendency to "balloon" from too many calories and not enough exercise. Stair stepper workouts are calorie burners that rank as one of the best cardiovascular exercises for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Buy A Vending Machine – What To Watch Out For

When you want to buy a vending machine, you have to be careful of what you’re buying. Sometimes a deal that sounds too good to be true is just that and you may end up buying a vending machine that will not be good for your business. There are ads for vending machines as a part of a package deal where the machines are already in place and you purchase the whole vending machine business. Before you buy any used vending machines, you do need to inspect them. You might also want to take someone with you that knows about these machines when you go to buy a vending machine.

Something that you have to be cognizant of when you buy a vending machine is the ease of use. If the vending machine is simple enough for children to operate, then you have something that will help you succeed in the vending machine business. Buying vending machines with a lot of gadgets and knobs may look really nice, but if it is difficult to operate then you won’t have many sales.

Another factor that you have to look at when buying vending machines is the area where the product comes out. You have to really look at the vending machine to see if customers will have difficulty reaching in to take out the products. You also need to check that the machine is safe for children to use. If an accident should happen to a child, then the storeowner may ask you to remove it from his/her property. There are more things to consider than the size and shape of the machine when you want to buy a vending machine.

Since each vending machine is manufactured to dispense a specific product you need to have some idea of what you want to sell when you buy a vending machine. This means doing your homework in advance as to how easy or difficult it will be to get the supply of products that you want and of course, how much they will cost. Buying vending machines also means that you have to know how they work so that you can do the repairs yourself if something goes wrong. You should also spend some time in an area where there are vending machines to see which ones the customers like the best.

When you buy a vending machine, you are giving yourself a start in a home based business that you can operate on your own time. You don’t need to invest a lot of money by buying several vending machines. Just start off with one and then gradually work your way up. You will need to continue in your regular job until you do get established so it is best if you use your weekends for the servicing of the machines. After you see the profits starting to roll in, you might want to buy a vending machine for a different product or continue with the same products as you have.